When Roberto De Zerbi decided to leave Brighton over disputes with the club owner’s about transfer strategy, many expected that it would be a quiet summer for the Seagulls. It turns out, the opposite is true.
According to The Athletic’s Andy Naylor, Brighton are chasing Newcastle United’s Yankuba Minteh. The Gambia international spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Feyenoord. He impressed with the Dutch side, and is one of the most in-demand young attackers of the 2024 summer transfer window.
Everton and Olympique Lyon are reportedly the frontrunners for the 19-year-old’s signature. Borussia Dortmund, Roma, and Marseille also have been linked to Minteh. Some reports claim Lyon have already submitted a €40 million dollar offer for the young Gambian.
It is hard to see Everton matching that asking price. Brighton could definitely afford the fee, but it is unclear whether the Seagulls would be willing to break their club record to sign Minteh.
One thing that could make a deal easier for Brighton, and Everton for that matter, is Newcastle’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Profit and Sustainability (PSR) situation.
The Magpies have until this Sunday to add to their 2023/24 accounts. The more sales they can complete before the financial calendar resets on July 1, the more they will be able to spend this summer.
Newcastle signed Minteh just last season. However, given his rapid rise, he is a prime candidate to be sold this summer. If Eddie Howe decides to cash in as soon as possible on Minteh, we would not be surprised if he is sold at a cut-rate price before the start of the 2024 summer transfer window.
Minteh started 27 matches, starting 17, in the Eredivisie for Feyenoord during the 2023/24 season. In those matches, he scored 10 goals and served up 5 assists.
For Brighton, he could be a much-needed depth piece Brighton need at right wing behind Solly March. If he continues his strong form, he could even replace the Englishman.
