Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has suggested that Liverpool could sign winger Yankuba Minteh during the January transfer window, according to BBC Sport. Hurzeler, speaking ahead of Brighton’s clash with Leeds United, highlighted that Minteh’s potential move hinges on the club’s collective success and his individual performance. “If the whole team is successful and the individual shines, then Yankuba will get a lot of attention again and he can then maybe fulfill his dream in the next transfer window,” Hurzeler said.
Brighton Manager Signals Potential Minteh Move in January
Previous Liverpool Bids Rejected
Liverpool made two bids for Minteh during the summer transfer window, including an initial offer of £50 million and a subsequent £60 million offer, according to multiple reports. Brighton, however, rejected both proposals, reportedly seeking £70 million for the 22-year-old Gambia international. The Reds ultimately decided to retain Cody Gakpo, leaving Minteh at Brighton for the 2023/24 season.
“He wears the Brighton colours, he wears the Brighton badge. He has been with us for two years now as part of the squad,” Hurzeler added. “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.”
Liverpool’s Failed Summer Bid and Current Strategy
The failure to sign Minteh left Liverpool without a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, who departed for Al-Ittihad in June. The club signed Bradley Barcola from Lyon but has struggled to find a natural right-winger to complement Darwin Núñez. Minteh, who scored seven goal involvements in 34 Premier League games last season, remains a target despite the summer’s rejection.
“If we achieve things together, the attention will come to the individual players and that will be the case also this season,” Hurzeler said. The Brighton boss emphasized that Minteh’s future depends on his performance and the team’s success, which could elevate his profile for a January move.
Ismaila Sarr’s Situation at Crystal Palace
While Minteh’s potential move to Liverpool remains speculative, Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has ruled out a January exit for winger Ismaila Sarr. Sage confirmed that Sarr, who had a dream of joining Liverpool, is not set to leave this window. “He needs time to recover from injury and to digest the situation,” Sage told BBC Sport. “We have a decision to take about the European list, and it’s difficult to move the team when you are in this competition.”
Sage added that Sarr’s future depends on his performance with Palace this season. “If he wants to continue, you have to have a good season with us as he did last year,” he said. The Palace manager reiterated that Sarr is not available for January, despite his earlier interest in Liverpool.
Why Minteh’s Move Could Happen
Minteh’s potential move to Liverpool in January aligns with the club’s need for attacking options and Brighton’s willingness to negotiate if the right offer comes. Brighton’s recent performances could increase Minteh’s market value, making a January deal more feasible.
“Liverpool were also in the market for Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, however, that deal never materialised either,” noted a report from Sports.yahoo.com. The site added that Minteh’s Premier League-proven ability made him a key target for Andoni Iraola’s side, despite the summer’s rejection.
Did You Know?
He has since become a key figure in the squad, scoring 10 goals in 32 Premier League appearances during the 2022/23 season.
FAQ: What You Need to Know
Could Liverpool sign Minteh in January?
Yes, according to Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, who suggested that Minteh’s move could happen if he and the team succeed this season. However, no official talks have been confirmed.
Why didn’t Liverpool sign Minteh in the summer?
The club ultimately chose to retain Cody Gakpo instead.
Will Ismaila Sarr leave Crystal Palace in January?
No, Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has ruled out a January exit for Sarr, citing his need for recovery and the club’s current commitments.
What’s Minteh’s market value?
His potential move to Liverpool would depend on Brighton’s willingness to negotiate and Liverpool’s financial flexibility.
Pro Tips for Following Transfer News
Keep an eye on Brighton’s performance this season, as success could boost Minteh’s profile. Monitor Liverpool’s squad needs and potential bids. For Sarr, follow Crystal Palace’s injury updates and transfer activity. Check trusted sources like BBC Sport and Sports.yahoo.com for real-time updates.
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