Liverpool Face Manchester City Interest in Yankuba Minteh Transfer

Liverpool’s pursuit of Yankuba Minteh could yet become more complicated, with Manchester City understood to be admirers of the Brighton winger.

The Reds have already seen two offers rejected for the 22-year-old, including a package worth £60million, as Andoni Iraola looks to strengthen his attacking options following Mohamed Salah’s departure.

According to an update from Ben Jacobs, Manchester City are also monitoring Minteh, although no approach has been made at this stage.

Yankuba Minteh is sold on a move to Liverpool. Keen to join and emulate one of his role models, Sadio Mané if the clubs agree a fee.

Liverpool have seen £50m and £60m bids rejected.

Manchester City also admirers of Minteh, but no approach yet.🇬🇲 pic.twitter.com/MmAxBGdO2y

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 21, 2026

That distinction is important. Liverpool have moved beyond admiration and into negotiations, while City’s interest currently appears to be more exploratory.

Liverpool Continue Minteh Negotiations

Liverpool initially offered around £50million for Minteh before returning with an improved proposal worth £60million.

Brighton rejected both approaches, underlining their determination to retain a player who joined from Newcastle United in 2024.

Minteh registered three goals and four assists across 36 appearances last season and remains viewed as a player with significant development ahead of him.

Reports also suggest Minteh has agreed to join Liverpool, giving the Reds encouragement despite Brighton’s position.

There is, however, another factor to consider. Minteh is currently unavailable after undergoing surgery on a right leg injury sustained during Brighton’s 3-0 pre-season victory against AS Roma. He is expected to miss approximately two to three months.

Liverpool must therefore decide how far they are willing to push financially for a player who would not immediately be available to Iraola.

Manchester City Situation Creates Further Intrigue

City’s interest could become more relevant because Savinho is expected to complete a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have agreed a deal worth an initial £75million, with a further £10million potentially due in add-ons.

Savinho had been seeking increased playing time and made only seven Premier League starts last season.

City boss Enzo Maresca confirmed the player had expressed a desire to leave.

“It’s quite clear when players want to leave, for any reason, then it’s complicated to convince them to stay or change their thoughts,” said Maresca.

“It happened with Rodri, the same thing is happening with Savinho – since day one he asked me that he wants to leave. So now we are waiting.”

Maresca added: “When the player is thinking they need a new challenge or want to change – because they want probably to go back to Spain, or play more minutes… it’s complicated to convince them to stay.”

Should Savinho depart, City would have an obvious vacancy in their attacking group. Minteh’s age, Premier League experience and ability to operate from the right would make him a logical candidate.

Liverpool Must Decide Their Valuation

For Liverpool, the next move is likely to depend on Brighton’s valuation and whether the club believe Minteh represents sufficient value beyond £60million.

Personal terms reportedly being agreed gives Liverpool a degree of confidence, although Brighton retain control of the situation.

Manchester City’s admiration adds another variable rather than an immediate bidding war. Until City make formal contact, Liverpool remain the club actively pursuing a deal.

With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, Liverpool now face a familiar decision, increase their offer, hold their valuation, or redirect resources towards another attacking target.

Our View

From a Liverpool perspective, Minteh is an interesting player, although the numbers involved are becoming difficult to ignore.

Three goals and four assists last season is respectable for a young winger, but once the bidding moves beyond £60million, expectations naturally rise. Liverpool would effectively be paying for what Minteh could become under Iraola rather than what he has already delivered consistently in the Premier League.

His injury complicates matters further. Liverpool need attacking reinforcements now, and spending such a large proportion of the remaining budget on someone who could be unavailable for several months carries obvious risk.

Manchester City’s interest will inevitably create some nervousness among supporters, particularly if Savinho leaves for Tottenham. City have the financial capacity to move quickly if they decide Minteh is their preferred replacement.

Liverpool should avoid allowing that possibility to dictate their valuation.

If Minteh wants Liverpool, as reports suggest, that strengthens the club’s position. Brighton are entitled to demand whatever price they believe reflects his importance, while Liverpool must decide where their limit sits.

There is plenty to like about Minteh, particularly his pace, direct running and potential. At £60million plus, Liverpool need to be convinced they are buying a future elite winger rather than simply responding to a difficult market.