Liverpool could be handed another opportunity to sign Yankuba Minteh, with the Brighton winger reportedly still keen on a move to Anfield after a summer transfer failed to materialise.
The 22-year-old was a serious target for Andoni Iraola before the window closed.
Liverpool submitted two bids, but Brighton held firm on their valuation and kept the Gambia international. That did not appear to end Minteh’s interest in joining the Reds.
Minteh still wants Liverpool move
According to GiveMeSport, Minteh still views Liverpool as his preferred destination despite the failed summer negotiations.
The report says Manchester United and other clubs are also monitoring him, but Liverpool remain particularly attractive to the winger.
The Reds made a £50million opening offer in August before returning with an improved £60m bid, both of which were rejected. Brighton were understood to value Minteh closer to £70m at the time.
Liverpool’s interest made sense because Iraola openly wanted more depth in wide areas. Minteh primarily operates from the right and had already produced 10 goals and nine assists in 73 Brighton appearances by early September.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler also suggested after the window closed that Minteh could still earn his “dream” move in a future transfer window if he continued performing.
The complication is his fitness. Minteh has been recovering from a leg problem that was expected to keep him sidelined until around October, which means Liverpool will want to see how he responds before deciding whether to renew their pursuit.
Price remains the key issue for the Reds
Minteh still looks like a very natural fit for Liverpool.
He is quick, direct, Premier League-proven and comfortable attacking from the right, all qualities that Iraola values in wide forwards. At 22, he also fits Liverpool’s preference for players who can improve considerably after arriving.
The player’s apparent preference for Anfield strengthens Liverpool’s hand, but Brighton are difficult negotiators and have little incentive to sell cheaply.
A January move would therefore depend heavily on two things: Minteh returning strongly from injury and Brighton softening their valuation.
Liverpool already showed they were willing to go as high as £60m in the summer. If Brighton continue demanding substantially more, Julian Ward may decide that money is better spent elsewhere.
Still, the foundations for a future deal are clearly there. Liverpool want the player, Minteh reportedly wants Liverpool, and the only major obstacle may ultimately be the fee.
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