Minteh's Liverpool Move Unlikely as Deadline Approaches

Yankuba Minteh’s representatives are still pushing for a dramatic deadline day move to Liverpool, but the deal now sits firmly in the “unlikely” column as the window runs into its final hours.

Liverpool have tracked the 22-year-old Brighton winger throughout August. Twice they have tested Brighton’s resolve, with the second offer reaching £60m, only to be knocked back as the Seagulls hold out for around £80m for the Gambia international.

That price tag is proving a brick wall.

Agents still pushing, but reality bites

Transfer reporter Ben Jacobs revealed on Tuesday morning that Minteh’s camp are not giving up on a late switch to Anfield. Speaking to talkSPORT, as relayed by GIVEMESPORT, he explained that the player’s representatives “are still seeking a move to Liverpool, and they hope that it happens today.”

The hope is there. The conditions are not.

Jacobs also underlined the key obstacle: Cody Gakpo is staying put. With the Dutchman remaining at Anfield, the chances of Liverpool committing £80m on another right-sided attacker shrink dramatically.

Gakpo decision changes the picture

Liverpool’s stance on Gakpo has been emphatic. Manchester City tested their resolve in the past 24 hours with an £80m bid, according to The Athletic, and were rebuffed. That figure mirrors Brighton’s valuation of Minteh, underlining the simple equation at play.

Sell Gakpo, sign Minteh. Or keep Gakpo and walk away.

Liverpool have chosen the latter. And it is not hard to see why.

Minteh is currently sidelined with an injury that rules him out for the foreseeable future. Gakpo, by contrast, has started the season in stride, with a goal and an assist from his first two games. Offloading a fit and in-form forward to bankroll an injured one would be a hard sell in any recruitment meeting.

No room at the inn on the wings

Liverpool have also explored Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace as another right-sided option, but the wider attacking picture has shifted. With Gakpo staying and Bradley Barcola already through the door from Paris Saint-Germain, the urgency to add yet another winger has faded.

If Minteh somehow did arrive without any departures, Andoni Iraola would be staring at a logjam: six senior wingers battling for two starting spots. On paper, that sounds like dream depth for a long season. In reality, it is a recipe for frustration for players who expect minutes and status.

Right now, Liverpool do not need Minteh. Not at that price. Not with that injury.

Window drama, but little expectation

Deadline day is built on late twists. A phone call, a change of heart, a domino falling elsewhere – all of it can flip a transfer narrative in minutes. Minteh’s camp are banking on exactly that, keeping the door ajar and the pressure on.

But with Liverpool rejecting £80m for Gakpo and Brighton standing firm on their own £80m valuation, the numbers line up for a stalemate, not a breakthrough.

Unless something drastic changes before 11pm, Minteh looks set to remain a Brighton player, at least for the rest of 2026.