Liverpool have found a new reason to re-enter negotiations for Yankuba Minte. The 22-year-old winger from Brighton has resumed training following a lengthy injury layoff.
Manager Andoni Iraola's side showed serious interest in the Gambian international back in August, but the two clubs were unable to reach an agreement.
According to Sport Witness, Liverpool made several bids for the player, the latest estimated at around £60 million. However, Brighton held out for £70 million and then raised the asking price to £80 million in the final week of the transfer window.
The Merseysiders ultimately decided against meeting those demands.
Why didn’t Liverpool sign Minte in the summer?
One of the main reasons for Liverpool's hesitance was an injury sustained by the winger during Brighton's pre-season preparations.
Journalist Fodai Mane, who has tracked the negotiations, previously explained Liverpool's stance.
Mane noted:
Liverpool felt the fee was excessive. The club informed Brighton that £80 million was too much, particularly considering the player's injury.
This cautious approach meant Liverpool were unwilling to risk such a large sum for a player whose timeline for recovery was uncertain.
Yankuba Minte back in training
Now, however, the situation may be changing.
The agency 1v1 Skills Football Management, representing Minte, has shared photos of the player in training, indicating his progress.
His representatives stated:
Our star boy Yankuba Minte! He’s working hard to fully recover from his long injury layoff. We’re very pleased to see him back on the training pitch and look forward to his return to action.
This news is significant for Liverpool, as Minte’s fitness was a pivotal factor in their decision not to complete the deal over the summer.
Will Liverpool return with a new offer?
Fodai Mane does not rule out the possibility of Liverpool making another move during the January transfer window.
The journalist highlighted:
There’s a chance that Liverpool will return for him in January. That option remains on the table.
However, there have been no confirmations of new negotiations or a forthcoming offer at this stage.
Minte himself is currently focused on fully recovering and making his way back into the Brighton squad.
His contract runs until 2029, which gives the English club a strong negotiating position.
The midfielder's price in the winter will largely depend on how successfully he returns from his injury. In the summer, Liverpool balked at paying £80 million for a player who was sidelined. Now, the Merseysiders will have the chance to assess Minte in action before deciding on a new pursuit.
