Reason Yankuba Minteh missed Newcastle United ‘return’ with Brighton

In the lead-up to Newcastle United’s Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion, much of the talk was about Yankuba Minteh’s ‘return’.

The winger had been sold by Newcastle for £30 million in the summer as the club needed to meet PSR regulations before the end of June.

Although they never wanted to sell Minteh for some reasons, however financial concerns forced the club to let him go. Along with Minteh, midfield prospect Elliot Anderson was also offloaded to Nottingham Forest.

Minteh has started well at Brighton under Fabian Hurzeler. There was a quiet worry among Newcastle fans that he could make an impact against them at St James’ Park, despite never playing for Newcastle.

After signing from Odense in Denmark, he was loaned out to Feyenoord. Newcastle fans never saw him in action. Many were surprised to see Minteh absent from Brighton’s teamsheet for the match, with Georginio Rutter starting on the right wing instead.

Danny Welbeck scored the only goal, making it a frustrating day for Eddie Howe and his team. After the match, Brighton manager Hurzeler explained why Minteh didn’t play. “He had some issues after traveling with Gambia and picked up a small injury,” he said. “We must take care of our players and ensure they are available.”

Minteh scored for Gambia against Madagascar during the international break but was substituted early in their 1-0 win on Monday.