Overview
Yankuba Minteh is a young Gambian professional footballer who is making waves in the Premier League. He is known for his pace, skill, and dribbling ability. Minteh is currently playing for Brighton & Hove Albion, but has also had successful spells at Feyenoord and Newcastle United.
Early Life and Career
Minteh was born in Bakoteh, The Gambia, on July 22, 2004. He started his football career at Steve Biko FC in his home country. In 2021, he moved to Denmark to play for OB. He quickly made an impact at the club, scoring on his debut.
Newcastle United and Loan to Feyenoord
In June 2023, Minteh signed a permanent deal with Newcastle United. However, he was immediately loaned out to Feyenoord for the 2023-24 season. Minteh had a successful season with Feyenoord, scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists in 27 Eredivisie appearances.
Brighton & Hove Albion
On July 1, 2024, Minteh joined Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported fee of £30 million. He has made a strong start to his Premier League career, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist in 15 appearances.
International Career
Minteh has also represented the Gambia national team. He made his debut for the national team in 2022 and has since scored 3 goals in 10 appearances.
Playing Style
Minteh is a right-footed winger who is known for his pace, skill, and dribbling ability. He is also a good finisher and has a good eye for goal. Minteh is a versatile player who can also play as an attacking midfielder.
Future Prospects
Minteh is a very talented young player who has the potential to become one of the best players in the Premier League. He is still only 20 years old and has plenty of time to develop his game. Minteh is a player to watch in the coming years.
Additional Information
Here are some additional facts about Yankuba Minteh:
He is the cousin of Modou Barrow, another Gambian footballer who has played in the Premier League.
He is represented by the same agent as Sadio Mané.
He has been compared to Adama Traoré and Wilfried Zaha.
FAQs
What is Yankuba Minteh’s background and early career?
Yankuba Minteh began his football journey with Steve Biko FC in The Gambia. In 2021, he had a trial with Danish club Odense Boldklub (OB), which led to a two-year contract in 2022. Initially part of the U19 team, he was soon promoted to the first team. He made a memorable Danish Superliga debut on September 10, 2022, scoring the decisive goal in a 2–1 victory against Copenhagen.
How did Minteh’s move to Newcastle United come about?
On June 12, 2023, Newcastle United announced the signing of Minteh, effective from July 1, 2023, for a reported fee of around €7 million. Due to work permit considerations, he was immediately loaned to Dutch champions Feyenoord for the 2023–24 season.
What were Minteh’s achievements during his loan at Feyenoord?
Minteh debuted for Feyenoord on August 4, 2023, in the Johan Cruyff Shield. He netted his first goal for the club on September 3, 2023, contributing to a 5–1 win over FC Utrecht. On December 13, 2023, he scored his inaugural UEFA Champions League goal against Celtic, becoming the second Gambian to do so after Ebrima Colley. He concluded the season with 10 goals in 27 appearances.
When did Minteh join Brighton & Hove Albion, and how has he performed?
On July 1, 2024, Minteh transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported £30 million, signing a five-year contract. He debuted on August 17, 2024, providing an assist in a 3–0 victory over Everton. He scored his first Premier League goal on October 6, 2024, in a 3–2 win against Tottenham.
What is Minteh’s international experience with The Gambia national team?
Minteh received his first call-up to The Gambia national team in November 2022. He scored his first international goal in a 2–2 draw against Congo. He also participated in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has continued to be a significant contributor to the national team.
What are Minteh’s notable strengths and playing style?
Minteh is recognized for his exceptional pace, having been clocked at a top speed of 35.38 kilometers per hour, making him Brighton’s fastest player. His speed, combined with determination and technical skills, makes him a formidable right winger.
Has Minteh faced any injuries or setbacks?
In late October 2023, Minteh suffered a muscle injury, sidelining him for several weeks. Additionally, during his Brighton debut against Everton, he sustained a head injury leading to a substitution due to concussion protocols.
What is Minteh’s current status and future prospects?
As of January 2025, Minteh continues to play for Brighton & Hove Albion, contributing significantly in the Premier League. Given his rapid rise and impactful performances, he is considered one of the promising young talents in European football.
To conclude
Yankuba Minteh’s journey from the sandy pitches of The Gambia to the Premier League epitomizes determination and talent. His swift ascent through European football, marked by impactful stints in Denmark, the Netherlands, and now England, underscores his adaptability and skill. At just 20 years old, Minteh has already showcased his prowess on both club and international stages, hinting at a future filled with potential. Fans and analysts alike are keen to witness how his career unfolds, anticipating further contributions to Brighton & Hove Albion and The Gambia national team.
Yankuba Minteh’s journey from playing on sand pitches in The Gambia to becoming a prominent figure in the Premier League is a testament to his talent, determination, and adaptability. His early career in Denmark with Odense Boldklub laid a solid foundation, showcasing his potential and catching the attention of major European clubs. The subsequent move to Newcastle United, followed by a successful loan spell at Feyenoord, provided him with invaluable experience and exposure on bigger stages, including the UEFA Champions League.
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