Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh has expressed that he harbors no ill feelings toward former club Newcastle United, despite being sold without making a first-team appearance.
The Gambian international, who joined Brighton in July 2024 for a reported £30 million, has since become a key figure in the Seagulls’ attacking lineup.
Minteh, who previously had a successful loan spell at Feyenoord, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in 27 league appearances, has made an immediate impact at Brighton.
Notably, he scored an equalizer against Newcastle in an FA Cup fifth-round clash at St. James’ Park, a match Brighton eventually won 2-1 after extra time.
Reflecting on his departure from Newcastle, Minteh stated, “I just heard from my agent that they wanted to sell me. I said: ‘OK, if they want to sell me, then it’s fine.
“I can go to another club and try. I know other clubs are interested in me, so if I don’t play there, then it’s an opportunity to play for another team. I wasn’t sad or anything like that.”
He added, “All I was doing in the Netherlands (on loan at Feyenoord) was trying to show I could play in the Premier League, because that is all I want.
“It doesn’t matter if it is Newcastle, Bournemouth or Brighton, but, after finding myself in Brighton, I have fallen in love with the club now. I am settled here and I am good here now.”
Minteh emphasized that he holds no resentment toward Newcastle, saying, “I don’t have anything against Newcastle.
“This is how football works. You go to this team, you think you are going to stay there for the rest of your life. Another team wants you, you move to another team.”
Since his arrival at Brighton, Minteh has continued to impress, including scoring a double against Chelsea in a 3-0 Premier League victory.
His performances have validated Brighton’s investment and highlighted his potential as a rising star in the Premier League.
