Yankuba Minteh, Carlos Baleba transfers: Did Liverpool pay more than Manchester United as Brighton double deals almost done?
Minteh can operate on both wings and could become central to Andoni Iraola's plans if the deal is sealed
Liverpool is in advanced talks to sign Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh from Brighton & Hove Albion, with bids reportedly reaching £60 million, nearing Brighton's £70 million asking price. The move is seen as a strategic reinforcement for Liverpool's attack, potentially filling the void left by Mohamed Salah, and Minteh's versatility on the wing is highlighted. Brighton, anticipating Minteh's departure, has already secured a replacement, Zadok Yohanna, and is also set to sell Carlos Baleba to Manchester United. The transfer saga continues amidst speculation of a final fee around £66 million.
Liverpool is in advanced talks to sign Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh from Brighton & Hove Albion, with bids reportedly reaching £60 million, nearing Brighton's £70 million asking price. The move is seen as a strategic reinforcement for Liverpool's attack, potentially filling the void left by Mohamed Salah, and Minteh's versatility on the wing is highlighted. Brighton, anticipating Minteh's departure, has already secured a replacement, Zadok Yohanna, and is also set to sell Carlos Baleba to Manchester United. The transfer saga continues amidst speculation of a final fee around £66 million.
Liverpool is in advanced talks to sign Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh from Brighton & Hove Albion, with bids reportedly reaching £60 million, nearing Brighton's £70 million asking price. The move is seen as a strategic reinforcement for Liverpool's attack, potentially filling the void left by Mohamed Salah, and Minteh's versatility on the wing is highlighted. Brighton, anticipating Minteh's departure, has already secured a replacement, Zadok Yohanna, and is also set to sell Carlos Baleba to Manchester United. The transfer saga continues amidst speculation of a final fee around £66 million.
Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh may end up joining Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion before the summer transfer window shuts, reports indicate. The development comes not long after Manchester United managed to seal a deal for Carlos Baleba — another key player in the Seagulls' setup.
"Liverpool and Yankuba Minteh have a broad verbal agreement on contract terms as the player said yes to #LFC project. Brighton rejected £60m bid sent today but talks continue, as @foday_manneh_ reported," Fabrizio Romano had earlier said.
Brighton are convinced that Minteh will not feature for them this season and are prepared for a season without him. Under contract until 2029, the 22-year-old winger is said to be a long-term target for Liverpool. With the Bradley Barcola transfer still a long way from being done, the arrival of Minteh is definitely good news for Andoni Iraola, who has a point to prove.
The Reds had earlier submitted an opening bid worth £50 million, which was rejected by their Premier League rivals. The second bid was worth £60 million — closer to the asking price of £70 million, which has now made conversations possible, reports said. According to certain British sports outlets, it is only a matter of time before the two sides find a middle ground for the transfer. As per the popular football news portal TEAMtalk, the final price could be somewhere around £66 million.
In Baleba's case, meanwhile, United are said to have sealed the deal with an improved bid after an offer worth £65 million was rejected by Brighton.
According to reports, Brighton signing Zadok Yohanna from Swedish side AIK for a sum of £21.5 million was to ensure they can sell Minteh for profit. The African talent was also keen to join the Reds as the exit of Mohamed Salah, a Premier League legend from his continent, opened a slot on the right wing. Even if Barcola arrives, Minteh has the skill set to compete for a starting role. The left-footed star is comfortable operating on the left flank as well, making him a versatile attacking option.
Earlier, Liverpool sold midfielder Curtis Jones to Inter Milan. The 25-year-old ended a 16-year spell at Liverpool, where he joined the academy aged nine and made 228 first-team appearances after his senior debut in the 2018–19 season.