Yankuba Minteh injury proved decisive as Liverpool summer move collapsed

Yankuba Minteh’s foot injury ultimately played a major role in Liverpool deciding against a late summer push for the Brighton winger, according to Gambian journalist Foday Manneh.

Liverpool had tracked the 22-year-old for months and made multiple attempts to sign him towards the end of the transfer window. Brighton rejected their approaches, while changes to the Seagulls’ valuation complicated negotiations further.

However, Manneh told Sport Witness that Minteh’s injury eventually became an even bigger obstacle than Brighton’s asking price.

Manneh says Liverpool first identified Minteh as a potential target in October 2025 while considering possible successors to Mohamed Salah.

No immediate contact followed, but Liverpool reportedly approached the player’s representatives around February or March to formally register their interest.

Negotiations became more serious during the summer.

Liverpool submitted an offer worth around £60million, while Brighton were initially prepared to consider approximately £70m before an August 25 deadline.

When Liverpool failed to meet that timeframe, Brighton’s valuation reportedly increased to £80m for the final week of the window.

That change caught Liverpool off guard and initially threatened to end negotiations.

Minteh had suffered a foot injury during pre-season which required surgery, leaving him facing approximately two to three months on the sidelines.

According to Manneh, that eventually became Liverpool’s biggest concern.

“No longer about price, it was about the injury,” he told Sport Witness. “In the last few hours of the window, it really played a big part.”

Manneh believes Liverpool were prepared to improve their offer again and potentially reach somewhere between £72m and £75m had Minteh been fit.

“If it wasn’t for the injury, the Reds were willing now to raise their offer again and then go for the player,” he added.

The deal ultimately went no further, leaving Minteh at Brighton and Liverpool without a player they had monitored for almost a year.

For Minteh, the immediate priority is now completing his recovery before attempting to regain his place in Brighton’s attack.

Minteh remains sidelined as he works his way back from surgery, meaning Brighton must wait before welcoming one of their key attacking options back into the squad.

Liverpool’s long-standing interest could become relevant again once Minteh is fit, but there is currently no indication from Manneh’s account that another bid is guaranteed.