Liverpool Faces Price Hurdles in Pursuit of Yankuba Minteh
Liverpool is encountering challenges in their efforts to acquire Yankuba Minteh from Brighton & Hove Albion. The Premier League side recently made an initial offer of £50 million for the Gambian winger, which Brighton swiftly rejected.
The club’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, subsequently increased the offer to £60 million, yet Brighton maintained their stance, declining to negotiate. Reports indicate that Brighton is unwilling to entertain any offers below £70 million, and just when this news surfaced, the asking price escalated to £80 million.
With the Reds in urgent need of a right winger, the validity of pursuing the 22-year-old at such a steep price is under scrutiny. Liverpool now faces a critical decision: either meet Brighton’s demands or redirect their attention to alternative targets. One such name that might come back into consideration as the transfer window approaches its conclusion is Endrick.
Separately, Endrick, the 20-year-old forward currently with Real Madrid, is reportedly at risk of being sidelined under manager Jose Mourinho. With Madrid recently securing Carlos Espi for center-forward backup and Yan Diomande for the right wing, Endrick—who can play in both positions—faces limited opportunities this season.
According to a report from Siro Lopez, Endrick has expressed his desire to leave the Bernabeu during the current transfer window, either on loan or via a permanent transfer with a buyback clause. Premier League clubs are showing interest, especially considering Endrick spent the latter part of last season on loan at Lyon.
There is speculation that Endrick could be available for around £55 million. Lopez noted, “There are Premier League teams that may be interested in signing Endrick,” and that Lyon, among other French clubs, might consider a loan arrangement.
Real Madrid is now faced with the decision of whether to grant Endrick’s request to leave, mirroring a previous situation with another player, Gonzalo. As more information emerges, it remains unclear if Endrick will depart Madrid before January.
Described as a “phenomenon” by Gabriel Jesus, Endrick has struggled to find both minutes and scoring opportunities with Los Blancos. Given his versatility and profile, he could represent an ideal option for Liverpool, especially as the club seeks viable candidates on the right wing while negotiations with other targets stall. Madrid appears willing to part with Endrick for £55 million, a stark contrast to the lofty expectations Brighton has set for Minteh.
Liverpool are running into difficulty over Yankuba Minteh.
Brighton have jacked up the price for their Gambian winger. Richard Hughes slid an offer across the Seagulls’ desk last week worth £50m – which was immediately thrown in the bin.
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The Reds’ sporting director followed up with one worth £60m but again the South Coast side declined to do business.
It was then reported that Brighton would not settle for less than £70m but just as that news was being digested the price rose again to £80m.
Liverpool move on from Minteh
Liverpool are in desperate need of a right winger but the wisdom of doing business for the 22-year-old at that price needs to be questioned.
The 2024/25 Premier League champions have now got to decide whether to pay the fee or walk away for other targets. And one name which could come back into focus towards the closing stages of the transfer window is Endrick.
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Endrick prepared to leave Real Madrid, Premier League interest confirmed
The 20-year-old Real Madrid forward risks being squeezed out of the picture under Jose Mourinho.
Madrid have signed Carlos Espi for centre-forward backup and Yan Diomande to start on the right wing. Ex-Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick prefers to play in both of those positions meaning chances will be at a premium this season.
A report from Siro Lopez on YouTube – via Defensa Central – is now claiming that the Brazil international has asked to leave the Bernabeu during the current transfer period either on loan or on a permanent move with the option of a buyback.
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And crucially Premier League teams are among the throng lining up for the left-footed attacker – who spent the second half of last season out on loan at Lyon.
Endrick could be available for £55m
“The information I have is that there are Premier League teams that may be interested in signing Endrick,” the report reads.
“Of course, Olympique Lyonnais and some other French teams could be interested in a loan deal.
“That’s where Real Madrid has to decide whether to accept what the player is asking for, which is to leave on loan or be sold with a buy-back option, as happened with Gonzalo.
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“But with the information I have, I don’t rule out the possibility that Endrick could leave Real Madrid before January.”
Endrick – described as a phenomenon by Gabriel Jesus – has endured a frustrating time at Madrid since signing back in 2024 – finding minutes and goalscoring opportunities hard to come by.
Given his profile – and versatility – he could be the ideal option for Richard Hughes on the right wing while other targets remain out of reach.
Madrid would settle for £55m for Endrick – per reports – a far cry from the ostentatious demands Brighton are making for Minteh.
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