As Newcastle United gain momentum in their season with another win at St. James' Park, one of the club's most promising youngsters, Yankuba Minteh, is making waves far from Tyneside.
In the summer transfer window, Newcastle acquired the Gambian teenager from Danish club Odense BK. The £6 million price tag was not a small fee, especially considering Minteh’s limited senior experience.
However, the Magpies' recruitment team, led by Dan Ashworth, clearly saw huge potential in the youngster.
Rather than keeping him for development in-house, the Toon hierarchy decided on a daring move: loaning Minteh out to Eredivisie champions Feyenoord.
This loan wasn't just a gesture but a statement. By sending him to a club that’s simultaneously competing in the Champions League with Newcastle, the Magpies were showcasing their belief in Minteh's abilities.
There were initial uncertainties about how much game time Minteh might receive at Feyenoord. However, he's silenced any doubters by quickly becoming an essential figure for the Dutch giants.
The 19-year-old's achievements so far include a Champions League debut, three goals, and an assist in the Eredivisie. His most recent feat was a goal against Go Ahead Eagles, setting the pace for a 3-1 victory:
Legendary Dutch striker, Pierre van Hooijdonk, did not shy away from praising the young star this weekend, too. Speaking to Studio Voetbal, he said:
"Minteh is especially significant for Feyenoord. Few in the team can outplay opponents one-on-one as he can. Combine that with his remarkable speed, and he's a massive threat, even in European matches."
For Newcastle, the positive reports on Minteh's performance at Feyenoord are exactly what they hoped for. As he thrives in a competitive team, it hints at the level of his talent and his potential to elevate Newcastle's squad upon his return.
Manager Eddie Howe and his coaching team will surely be strategising on how best to embed Minteh into the Toon lineup. Given his evident speed and goal-scoring capability, Minteh might just be the x-factor they need next season.
In the bigger picture, this appears to be another excellent signing by Dan Ashworth and further proof that he will ensure Newcastle remains a step ahead in long-term strategy.
PL | GD | PTS | ||
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1 |
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25 | 36 | 60 |
2 |
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25 | 29 | 53 |
3 |
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25 | 12 | 47 |
4 |
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25 | 17 | 44 |
5 |
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25 | 15 | 43 |
6 |
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25 | 13 | 43 |
7 |
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25 | 9 | 41 |
8 |
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25 | 5 | 39 |
9 |
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25 | -3 | 38 |
10 |
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25 | 0 | 37 |
11 |
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25 | 1 | 34 |
12 |
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25 | 12 | 30 |
13 |
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25 | -3 | 30 |
14 |
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25 | -4 | 30 |
15 |
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25 | -7 | 29 |
16 |
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25 | -18 | 27 |
17 |
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25 | -19 | 19 |
18 |
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25 | -27 | 17 |
19 |
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25 | -30 | 17 |
20 |
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25 | -38 | 9 |