Hurzeler: Minteh can still fulfill dream move, but he must shine at Brighton first

Fabian Hurzeler insisted Yankuba Minteh can still "fulfil his dream" move in the future, but insisted he must continue to shine at Brighton in order to do so.

Minteh was the subject of interest from Liverpool this summer, with Brighton reportedly turning down bids of £50m and £60m from Andoni Iraola's side.

The 22-year-old, who was signed from Newcastle United two years ago, is valued at around £70m by Brighton, with Liverpool unwilling to pay the fee.

Since joining the Seagulls, Minteh has registered 19 goal contributions (10 goals, nine assists) in 73 appearances across all competitions.

He also ranks highest for chances created (82) and completed dribbles (121) in that time for Brighton, though the Gambian international is currently out injured after undergoing surgery to repair an ankle injury sustained in pre-season.

And speaking ahead of this weekend's clash with Leeds United, Hurzeler said that Minteh remains committed to Brighton despite his failed move to Anfield, telling reporters: "Yes, definitely. 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. 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, that if we achieve things together, the attention will come to the individual players. That will be the case also this season.

"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.

"Now it is, of course, up to us to give him the chance to do good rehab and be part of this group again, but, of course, it is up to him to perform at the highest level. We know that Yankuba can be one of the best players, he can have a big impact on our performance on the pitch.

"But in the end, it is a team sport, everyone needs to be at their highest level for us to be successful as a team, and then the individual can benefit."

Even though Minteh did not leave the club, Brighton saw several players depart this summer, with Carlos Baleba, Jan Paul van Hecke and Danny Welbeck their standout exits.

They were also able to add to their ranks, with Femi Azeez arriving from Millwall and Chema Andres completing his reported £15.5m (€18m) move from Stuttgart.

Andres had only joined Stuttgart from Real Madrid last year, but went on to help the Bundesliga side qualify for the Champions League. Of midfielders to play 1,000+ minutes in the Bundesliga in 2025-26, the Spaniard won the most aerial duels per 90 minutes (3.6).

"First of all, they are great people. They have great character, so that is the most important thing for us as a club," Hurzeler said of his two deadline day additions.

"I think Chema has a clear position profile on the six. I think he is very good at understanding the game. He's always trying to play forward.

"He's good at scanning [the pitch]. He's very technical and, therefore, it is definitely a good add-on for us.

"Femi, he's a winger, he can score off the right or the left foot. He has really good decision-making in the final third. He's a hard worker."