Liverpool’s move for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh looks increasingly shaky. According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Seagulls feel fairly confident about keeping hold of the Gambia international, with no deal currently in sight between the two clubs.
Two bids from Merseyside have already been knocked back, with Brighton reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £70m. Notably, Plettenberg’s report frames Brighton’s stance as “optimistic” rather than guaranteed, meaning there’s still a window for Liverpool to get a deal over the line before the September 1 deadline closes.
The hesitation from Liverpool’s end seems to come down to whether it’s worth stretching another £10m or so beyond their last offer — especially given Minteh would likely be sidelined for two to three months with injury even after signing. That caution is understandable on paper, but it also risks leaving the squad short-handed.
As things stand, the current business risks leaving the head coach with a squad that’s too thin. With midfield reinforcements reportedly off the table entirely — the club is said to be focusing solely on forward additions this window — there’s added pressure to get the attacking business right. If the plan is to send the manager into the season without a defensively-minded midfielder or a reliable right-back, then the forward line absolutely needs to be sorted, cover for Alexander Isak included, beyond just the two winger targets already being talked about. That doesn’t feel like an unreasonable ask if the coaching staff are meant to make things click with Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai anchoring midfield.
