In a season where Premier League stars are being forged through grit and goals, Gambian forward Yankuba Minteh has emerged as one of the league’s most promising young talents — and he’s just getting started.
The 20-year-old striker was the standout performer in Brighton & Hove Albion’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle United during a crucial Round 35 fixture. With European aspirations on the line for Brighton and Champions League dreams driving Newcastle, the encounter was fiercely contested. But it was Minteh who stole the spotlight.
His goal — a coolly taken finish — not only secured a vital point for the Seagulls but also etched his name into the Premier League record books. Minteh is now the only player aged 21 or under to have directly contributed to 10 league goals this season, with six goals and four assists to his name. It’s a landmark achievement that places him ahead of celebrated young stars across England’s top flight.
Minteh’s journey to this moment is as compelling as his on-pitch performances. Once on the books at Newcastle United, the Banjul-born forward never made a senior appearance for the Magpies. Instead, he was sent out on loan to Dutch giants Feyenoord, where his explosive pace and eye for goal quickly caught the attention of scouts across Europe.
Brighton made a bold move last summer, signing Minteh for a reported €35 million — a club investment that now seems like a masterstroke. Under Roberto De Zerbi’s progressive system, Minteh has thrived, using his agility, creativity, and relentless energy to torment Premier League defenses.
For Gambian football, Minteh’s rise represents a beacon of pride and possibility. As the national team continues to build for future African Cup of Nations campaigns, the emergence of stars like Minteh offers hope of competing with the continent’s elite.
With three games remaining in the season, Brighton still has an outside chance of securing a European berth. But regardless of where the Seagulls land, one thing is certain: Yankuba Minteh has arrived — and the Premier League is taking notice.
