Brighton: Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has revealed that winger Yankuba Minteh could still "fulfil his dream" of a move in the future, despite the club rejecting Liverpool's offers during the recent transfer window.
According to BBC, Liverpool had submitted bids of £50 million and £60 million for the 22-year-old Gambia international, with manager Andoni Iraola eager to enhance his attacking lineup. However, Brighton was holding out for a fee closer to £70 million. Minteh, who arrived from Newcastle in 2024 for £30 million, has become a key player for the Seagulls, contributing 10 goals and nine assists in his 73 appearances, primarily as a right winger.
Speaking ahead of Brighton's Premier League clash with Leeds, Hurzeler expressed optimism about Minteh's prospects, stating, "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." Despite the transfer setback, Hurzeler assured that Minteh remains dedicated to Brighton. "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," Hurzeler emphasized.
Brighton's financial gains from player sales were significant during the window, notably through Carlos Baleba's £70 million transfer to Manchester United. This influx of funds enabled Brighton to secure a deadline deal for Spanish defensive midfielder Chema Andres from Stuttgart, valued at £15.5 million. Andres, who made 41 appearances for Stuttgart last season after joining from Real Madrid, helped his former club qualify for the Champions League.
Hurzeler commended Andres' ambition, comparing him to Manchester City's Rodri. "He has this motivation of wanting to improve every day," said Hurzeler. "He comes on the first day and wants to go outside on the pitch, he wants to have ball touches, and you can really feel that he is very ambitious... Therefore, I can understand this comparison [with Rodri] but he has a long way to go and hopefully he can get there one day."