Fabian Hurzeler sends strong Yankuba Minteh message amid Liverpool interest

Fabian Hurzeler sends strong Yankuba Minteh message amid Liverpool interest Yankuba Minteh to Liverpool: Brighton Hold Firm as Transfer Deadline Pressure Grows Liverpool want a winger, the deadline is close, and Brighton know it. That is the story around Yankuba Minteh. The 22-year-old has emerged as a serious target, with Liverpool having already seen two bids rejected. Brighton are understood to value Minteh at around £80 million, a figure that reflects market conditions as much as the player himself. When a buying club is short on options and short on time, the price goes up. Simple as that. Fabian Hurzeler did little to cool the noise completely, but he was careful with his wording. “He’s a Brighton player,” Hurzeler said. “He needs to commit to this club. He knows that these rumours only come because he benefits from everything here. Everyone knows how the football business works, let’s see the ideas from Liverpool…” That is not a refusal to sell. It is a reminder of who controls the situation. Brighton hold the contract, Brighton set the asking price, and Brighton have no obvious reason to rush. Brighton stance on Yankuba Minteh remains clear Hurzeler made it clear that the club hierarchy remains central to any decision. “We have a lot of things regarding this player in our hands. With Tony (Bloom) and with Paul (Barber), together we try to make the right decision.” Again, the message is straightforward. If Liverpool want Minteh, they will have to pay properly. Brighton have sold well before, and they are under no pressure to discount a player they believe can command even more in the future. Minteh joined from Newcastle in summer 2024 and scored three goals in all competitions last season. He is currently injured, which adds another layer to the valuation debate. Talent is there, output is still developing, and the fee being discussed is based heavily on upside. Liverpool transfer plans leave little room for delay Liverpool have also considered other attacking options, including Ibrahim Mbaye and Ismaila Sarr. Bradley Barcola is viewed as the leading target, but one forward signing alone would not solve the wider need in the squad. That matters because Brighton can read the room. Liverpool need wide players and the market knows it. Negotiating from urgency is rarely efficient. Hurzeler underlined Brighton’s internal argument to the player as well. “It’s important for a player to understand what you have here playing for a club like Brighton,” Hurzeler continued. “You have a club that gives you a chance. You have a club and teammates that are trying to push you. You have a club that’s there for you also in tough moments. “Carlos Baleba had so many tough moments when he was here. Minteh also had tough moments but we are always there for them.” Liverpool deadline pressure could define outcome With the window closing on Tuesday, Liverpool do not have much time left to decide whether Minteh is truly worth £80 million. Brighton’s position is logical. Sell only at a premium, or keep the player and wait. In this market, that is not stubbornness. It is good business.