Brighton manager Fabien Hurzeler has acknowledged that Liverpool's pursuit of Yankuba Minteh is hardly unexpected, insisting the club understands that success inevitably draws attention from bigger rivals during the transfer window.
Liverpool have already tested Brighton's resolve with a £50million offer for Minteh, only to see it turned down by the Seagulls. The winger is currently unable to feature for either club due to injury and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, though that has not dampened Liverpool's determination to bring him to Anfield.
The move for Minteh forms part of Liverpool's broader strategy to identify a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, whose future role at the club continues to be a talking point. While Minteh has emerged as one option, the Reds' primary target remains Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain, with negotiations over a deal reportedly worth up to £130million still ongoing between the two clubs.
Whether Liverpool will return with an improved offer for Minteh before the transfer deadline on September 1 remains uncertain, but Hurzeler suggested that further twists could be on the horizon as the window enters its final stretch.
Speaking about the growing external interest in his squad, the Brighton boss singled out Minteh and midfielder Carlos Baleba — who is separately in discussions over a potential move to Manchester United — as central figures in the club's recent progress.
"They're important players for us, because they were a big part of our journey over the last two years," Hurzeler said. "But, in football, we all have to understand that it's normal if you're successful as a team, if the team is doing well, then the individual can shine, and then there will be a big ask for our players."
The German coach framed the situation as a natural consequence of Brighton's rise under his stewardship, describing the ability to develop talent that attracts elite suitors as part of the club's DNA.
"That's part of our identity. That's part of my job here. And that was clear for everyone that this might happen during a busy transfer window," he explained. "We all know how important these kind of players are for me, but good achievements create offers and a lot of attention, and so therefore we have to wait now. The situation will evolve."
Despite the uncertainty surrounding two of his most valuable assets, Hurzeler struck a composed tone, emphasizing that his focus remains on managing the situation constructively rather than resisting the inevitable interest.
"I'm not here to complain, I'm here to find solutions," he said. "And with my players I'm sure we will find good solutions."
Brighton's stance suggests they are prepared to hold firm on their valuation of Minteh, even as Liverpool intensify their efforts to bolster their attacking options ahead of the deadline. With Baleba's potential departure to Manchester United also looming, Hurzeler faces the challenge of navigating multiple high-profile exits while maintaining the squad's momentum built over the past two seasons.
As the transfer window edges toward its September 1 close, all eyes will be on whether Liverpool return with a revised bid for Minteh, or whether their attention shifts more decisively toward completing the protracted pursuit of Barcola from PSG.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (Football).