Liverpool have stepped up their efforts to strengthen their attacking options by submitting an improved £60 million bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, but the offer has again been turned down.
Brighton are understood to value the 22-year-old Gambia international closer to £70 million, although negotiations between the two clubs remain ongoing as Liverpool seek to reach an agreement before the transfer window closes.
The latest development comes after Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola made clear that his squad is currently short of specialist wide players ahead of the new campaign.
The Reds had previously offered £50 million for Minteh, but Brighton rejected that proposal earlier in the week. Liverpool have now returned with an increased bid, signalling their determination to land the former Newcastle winger.
Minteh joined Brighton from Newcastle for £30 million in 2024 and has since established himself as one of the club’s key attacking players. Operating mainly from the right flank, he has recorded 10 goals and nine assists in 73 appearances for the Seagulls.
Liverpool’s interest in Minteh comes amid a wider search for attacking reinforcements. The club have also explored a possible move for Paris Saint-Germain youngster Ibrahim Mbaye, while PSG winger Bradley Barcola remains their leading target for the position.
Iraola has repeatedly acknowledged that Liverpool’s squad needs further additions, particularly on the wings.
“We don’t have enough players specific to play in those positions,” he said, stressing that any new arrival must be capable of genuinely improving an already strong squad.
The Liverpool manager also admitted that he expects activity at the club before the transfer deadline, saying the squad remains “quite thin” in certain areas.
The Reds have already brought in Victor Munoz for £34.5 million and secured Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona since Iraola replaced Arne Slot. French defender Jeremy Jacquet also joined in a £60 million deal agreed in January.
However, Liverpool have experienced significant departures during the summer. Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have left, while midfielder Curtis Jones is in Italy completing a reported £30 million transfer to Inter Milan.
Iraola said he understood Jones’ decision despite valuing the midfielder highly, revealing that he had discussed the player’s situation with him early in pre-season.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Minteh therefore forms part of an expected busy final phase of the transfer window, with the club looking to address gaps in the squad before the September 1 deadline.
With Brighton unwilling to accept the latest £60 million proposal, negotiations are likely to continue as Liverpool weigh up whether to move closer to the Seagulls’ £70 million valuation.
