‘It hurts’ – Yankuba Minteh makes Brighton transfer demand one year on from £33m Newcastle United move
Promising Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh made headlines last summer when he signed for Brighton & Hove Albion in a club-record £33 million transfer from Newcastle United. Interestingly, despite never playing a single competitive match for the Magpies, Minteh still ranks among Newcastle’s highest-ever outgoing transfers, trailing only behind the sales of Elliot Anderson and Andy Carroll.
Minteh, just 20 years old, quickly became a regular feature in Brighton’s attacking setup. He went on to score seven goals across 37 appearances in all competitions for the Seagulls, showing glimpses of his potential throughout the season. Notably, he found the net twice against his former club, scoring once in the Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium and again during the FA Cup tie at St James’ Park — a poetic moment against the side that had sold him without ever fielding him.
However, despite individual flashes of brilliance from Minteh and others, Brighton’s season ended in disappointment. The club finished eighth in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on a place in European competition. Their hopes of securing a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League were dashed after rivals Crystal Palace lifted the FA Cup. Had Manchester City triumphed over Palace in the final, Brighton would have taken the Conference League berth via league placement. There’s still a faint glimmer of hope for Brighton, however — they could be handed a European spot if Palace are disqualified from UEFA competitions due to the ongoing multi-club ownership investigation involving John Textor, who also owns a stake in Lyon.
Minteh, who had spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Feyenoord before his move to Brighton, also gained valuable experience on the continental stage by playing in the UEFA Champions League. The transition to Premier League football was always going to be a challenge, but the winger embraced it fully, growing into his role with maturity and resilience.
Reflecting on his first season in English football, Minteh offered a candid assessment of Brighton’s campaign.
“I would say it was a mixed season. We had some great moments, played some beautiful football, and showed what we’re capable of,” he said. “But ultimately, we didn’t achieve the goal we set at the beginning of the season — returning to Europe.”
Minteh expressed frustration with the team’s inability to maintain consistency during key moments in the season.
“It hurts, for sure. The dressing room was really down at the end. We had a strong belief that we could do it. Toward the final weeks, we had meetings and made it clear — we needed to push until the final whistle of the season. But we let some important games slip away.”
The 20-year-old emphasized that despite the setback, the squad remains hungry and focused on progression.
“This group wants more. We believe we’re good enough to be competing in Europe every season. But to get there, we’ve got to be smarter — tactically and mentally. We need to manage games better, especially when we take the lead. That’s an area the manager has really highlighted in training.”
Looking ahead, Minteh didn’t shy away from expressing his thoughts on what Brighton needs to do in the transfer market this summer to take that next step.
“I think we need a bit more depth in midfield — someone who can dictate the pace of the game, especially when things get tense. And maybe another experienced forward who brings a different style and knows how to handle pressure moments.”
Minteh stressed the importance of mentality over just talent.
“Skill is important, but it’s not everything. In the Premier League, you need fighters. Players who don’t hide when the game gets tough. We need that kind of winning mentality. We know we’ve got the talent — now it’s about adding the hunger and drive.”
He concluded with a rallying message for the future.
“This season didn’t go the way we hoped, but we’ve learned a lot. Next season, we come back stronger — physically and mentally. We’ve got a point to prove.”
Since their promotion alongside Newcastle United in 2017, Brighton have steadily grown into a respected Premier League outfit. They’ve secured top-half finishes in three of the last four campaigns, and under smart management and player development, the club is increasingly seen as a breeding ground for emerging talent.
With Minteh now an integral part of Brighton’s future, the Seagulls will hope the young winger’s ambition and direct approach can lead them back to the European stage in the seasons to come.