Liverpool's top target told he could complete 'dream' transfer in January

4 Sept 2026 15:01 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler has hinted that Yankuba Minteh may be permitted to leave the club when the winter transfer window opens amid significant interest from Liverpool.

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The Gambia international emerged as a top target for Andoni Iraola’s side during the final week of the summer window and the Reds saw two offers - the second of which was worth €70 million - rejected by Brighton before Deadline Day.

Current ETV

Yankuba Minteh

F (R), M (RL)

Brighton

Yankuba Minteh

F (R), M (RL)

Brighton

ETV Range

€40.2M - €49.2M

Liverpool were keen to sign a new winger amid Manchester City’s interest in Cody Gakpo, but after failing to land Minteh or Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), they blocked the Netherlands international from leaving and he will now compete with Bradley Barcola, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz for a starting XI place at Anfield.

Liverpool are expected to rekindle their pursuit of a new right winger in 2027 and Hurzeler has admitted that Minteh could potentially leave the AMEX Stadium in January if a suitable bid is submitted.

“If the whole team is successful and the individual shines then Yankuba will get a lot of attention again and he can then maybe fulfil his dream in the next transfer window,” the Brighton boss told reporters ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Leeds United on Saturday.

Hurzeler added: “He wears the Brighton colours, he wears the Brighton badge. He has been with us for two years now as part of the squad. He has achieved great things together with the boys.

“It's also about him now to commit. In the end, we always say we want to be successful as a club and then you can shine as individuals.

“That is what we have proved in the past. If we achieve things together, the attention will come to the individual players and that will be the case also this season.”

© IMAGO - Liverpool wanted to sign Yankuba Minteh this summer

Will Yankuba Minteh join Liverpool in January?

While Hurzeler has hinted that Minteh could depart Brighton in January, the Seagulls are likely to demand a lofty fee to sanction a mid-season sale and this could deter Liverpool from pursuing a deal, especially as Gakpo is likely to still be at the club.

A move next summer is far more likely, with Liverpool likely to offload Gakpo on a permanent deal if he is usurped by the aforementioned Barcola in Iraola’s favoured starting XI.

Minteh scored three goals and provided four assists in 34 Premier League appearances for Brighton last campaign, but he has not featured so far this season due to a foot injury.