By Momodou Jarju
Scores of reports have emerged that Gambian international right-winger Yankuba Minteh is set to leave his premier league club Newcastle United this summer just after a season he was bought from Danish football club Odense Boldklub.
Minteh was tipped to compete for the right-wing spot of the club when he was bought. For his development, the 19-year-old, then 18, was loaned out forthwith to garner playing time and or experience—a decision that has struck gold.
Owing to his great loan spell at Feyenoord, one would’ve expected the Gambian star is ready to mark his name in the premier league donning Nwecastle’s colours. But Newcastle have other things to worry about. The club is among some premier leagues clubs grappling with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) issues and selling Minteh could aid them overcome that challenge.
“Under the Premier League’s PSR rules, clubs are entitled to lose a maximum of £105million ($133m) over three seasons, although certain costs can be deducted, such as infrastructure, women’s football, investment in youth and community work,” The Athletic reported in January 2024.
Newcastle, Chelsea, Everton and Aston Villa are the clubs said to be in need of sales to comply with PSR before 1 July. And the aforesaid clubs are apparently exchanging separate deals in what critics view as shady.
Here is a BBC report on the matter on Monday: “Lesser-known academy products Tim Iroegbunam and Lewis Dobbin were exchanged in separate deals between Everton and Villa. Then BBC Sport reported Villa were close to selling another academy youngster – teenager Omari Kellyman – to Chelsea for a reported £19m.
“Next, there was confirmation that going the other way is Chelsea’s homegrown Dutch defender Ian Maatsen for £37.5m, in another separate transaction.
Everton meanwhile, were also said to be interested in Newcastle United’s highly rated Gambian teenager Yankubu Minteh. At the same time, Newcastle were closing in on a deal to sign striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton.”
Signed for around £6 million, Minteh could earn the Magpies a whooping profit, with rumours suggesting that Newcastle want around £40 million.
It is worth noting that the clubs aren’t breaking rules. They just found a loophole to solve their PSR issues which is infuriating rival fans. Last season, Everton and Nottingham Forest face points deduction over PSR breaches, thus premier league clubs have become cautious of the matter and they would endeavour to avoid becoming victims.
Minteh’s Potential Next Club
Minteh scored 11 goals in 37 appearances for all competitions with Feyenoord last season, featuring in four Champions League games where he scored once. The sought-after Gambian forward, who was coached by newly appointed Liverpool gaffer Arne Slot, is on the radar of clubs in the premier league and elsewhere in Europe.
Latest reports suggest that Minteh favours a move to Everton because he wants to stay in the premier league next season. Italian journalist and football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed these reports on Monday, saying Newcastle have been informed of the player’s priority to join the Merseyside.Personal terms between Minteh and Everton are said to be agreed.
Nonetheless, Borussia Dortmund, Roma, Lyon and Marseille are other clubs linked to the Gambian teenager.
His agent Bakary Bojang has since the end of last season hinted the possibility of Minteh joining another club when he said all options are on the table—meaning Minteh could stay, loaned or leave.
But his recent comments reported by Chronicle and culled by OneFootball, a move is imminent for Minteh.
“It is correct that Newcastle are willing to sell the player if they receive a good offer. From our side if Newcastle wants to sell and the sporting project is good we will definitely look at it. We are in communication with some clubs,” Bojang said.
“I can’t confirm [which] clubs who are in communication with us. [But] We have agreed terms with one of the clubs. So now the rest is with Newcastle.”
