Yankuba Minteh has completed a promising debut campaign in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion, showing signs of a player well-suited to the demands of English football.
The 20-year-old Gambian winger arrived at Brighton following a loan spell at Feyenoord, where he had delivered a standout season in the Eredivisie.
Despite limited opportunities at parent club Newcastle United, Minteh was handed a fresh start on the south coast, and he has made the most of it.
Featuring in 37 matches across all competitions, Minteh contributed seven goals and five assists—an impressive return for a young player in his first year at this level.
But beyond statistics, it is his overall influence on Brighton’s attacking play that has drawn praise. His pace, technical flair, and ability to stretch defences have made him a valuable asset for the Seagulls throughout the campaign.
Minteh quickly adapted to the physical and tactical pace of the Premier League, gradually earning the trust of Brighton’s coaching staff. Over the course of the season, his role grew, as did his minutes on the pitch—reflecting the increasing confidence placed in him by the manager.
While not a traditional goal poacher, Minteh has shown his worth in build-up play and chance creation. His five assists highlight his ability to link up with teammates in the final third and influence attacking sequences.
He has often been the spark behind Brighton’s most threatening moves, using his agility and close control to unlock defences.
One of the standout aspects of Minteh’s season has been his performances against high-profile opposition. He netted twice against Chelsea, delivered two goals across two meetings with Newcastle, and added further goals against Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Perhaps most notably, he registered both a goal and an assist in Brighton’s 3–1 win over Manchester United, showcasing his ability to step up in big moments.
Although Minteh did not score against title challengers such as Manchester City, Arsenal, or Liverpool, his contributions against other top-tier sides have been encouraging.
For a player in only his third professional season, the signs of maturity and big-game temperament are already emerging.
When looking at his short career so far, this season at Brighton ranks as his second-best in terms of direct goal involvement. He was involved in 12 goals this term, following a 16-goal contribution (goals and assists combined) during his time at Feyenoord in 2023–24.
His debut professional season with Odense BK in Denmark yielded four goals and four assists—a modest but telling introduction to senior football.
Still at an early stage of his career, Minteh’s upward trajectory appears to be continuing. Brighton’s reputation for nurturing young talent bodes well for the winger, whose development could accelerate further under the club’s well-regarded system.
If he can refine his decision-making and sharpen his efficiency in key moments, Minteh has the potential to become a central figure in Brighton’s long-term plans.
Already, his performances have attracted attention beyond the Amex Stadium, with reported interest from top Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal.
For now, though, Brighton fans will be eager to see how far their new star can go. Minteh’s debut season has laid a solid foundation—one that could be the beginning of a remarkable career in English football.
