Alious
Yankuba Minteh’s journey to the Premier League is nothing short of extraordinary — a rapid climb from humble beginnings in The Gambia to a marquee £30 million transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion. The 19-year-old winger’s rise has been fueled by raw talent, relentless work ethic, and a knack for making bold career decisions at just the right moments.
Minteh first caught attention playing on sandy pitches in his hometown of Bakoteh before joining Steve Biko FC, a club known for nurturing young prospects in The Gambia. His flair and attacking instinct quickly marked him as one to watch. In 2022, he took his first major step into European football by signing with Danish side Odense BK. There, he impressed despite limited appearances, scoring 4 goals in 17 games and drawing the eyes of top scouts across the continent.
That promise led to a transfer to Premier League club Newcastle United in the summer of 2023 for €8 million. Rather than integrating him into their first team, Newcastle opted to loan Minteh to Dutch giants Feyenoord — a decision that would supercharge his development. During his loan spell, he became a breakout star in the Eredivisie, netting 10 goals and helping the club secure the KNVB Cup. His fearless playing style and ability to thrive under pressure stood out, attracting the attention of bigger clubs and raising his value significantly.
By mid-2024, Minteh was one of the hottest young properties in Europe. Brighton, known for their smart recruitment and player development strategy, moved quickly to secure his signature from Newcastle in a deal reportedly worth £30 million. The sale also allowed Newcastle to stay within Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
At Brighton, Minteh signed a five-year contract through 2029 and wasted no time making an impact. In his debut Premier League season, he made 31 appearances, scored 6 goals, and delivered 4 assists — a remarkable return for a teenager in a demanding league. One of his standout performances came in a commanding 3–0 victory over Chelsea, where he scored twice and demonstrated his potential to become a Premier League star.
Minteh’s rise has drawn comparisons to other top African talents who’ve made the leap to Europe with immediate impact. His success has also placed him on the radar of elite English clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur, all reportedly keeping close tabs on his progress.
Brighton’s acquisition of Minteh signals a shift in the club’s identity — from being known primarily as a selling club to one capable of attracting and retaining high-value players. For Minteh, the move represents another critical step on a path that, so far, has been marked by vision, courage, and consistent growth.
As he continues to evolve, the football world is watching closely. From the streets of Bakoteh to Premier League stadiums, Yankuba Minteh is writing one of the most compelling stories in modern football — and it’s only just begun.
Alious
