Brighton Manager Fabian Hurzeler Discusses Yankuba Minteh's Future

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler insists Yankuba Minteh can still chase his “dream” move – just not this summer, and not on Liverpool’s terms.

The Seagulls knocked back bids of £50m and £60m from the Reds for the 22-year-old winger during the window, holding firm for a figure closer to £70m. Andoni Iraola had pushed for Minteh as he looked to sharpen Liverpool’s attack, but Brighton refused to blink.

Minteh, a Gambia international who arrived from Newcastle for £30m in 2024, has grown into a key part of Brighton’s forward line. Operating mainly off the right, he has 10 goals and nine assists in 73 appearances – numbers that explain why the market has come calling so quickly.

Speaking before Brighton’s Premier League meeting with Leeds on Saturday, Hurzeler made it clear the door is not closed on a big-money move for the winger, only delayed.

“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 German said.

The message was firm: ambition is fine, but commitment comes first.

Hurzeler stressed that Minteh remains “definitely” on board with Brighton’s project despite the disappointment of seeing a move to Anfield blocked.

“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 said, underlining the winger’s place in the dressing room.

Now, the manager wants that loyalty reflected on the pitch.

“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.”

Brighton have made a habit of turning rising talents into headline transfers. Minteh knows the pathway. The question is whether his next step will be earned on the south coast or forced from elsewhere.