Feyenoord's new players (L to R), Dutch defender Thomas Beelen, Gambian forward Yankuba Minteh, Dutch midfielder Thomas van den Belt and Algerian midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki walk on the pitch after getting off the helicopter during an event in De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, on July 16, 2023. (Photo by Robin van Lonkhuijsen / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United were in talks regarding a potential transfer for Yankuba Minteh before he opted to join Brighton, according to sources from Football Insider.
The Gambian international completed a £33 million move to the south coast club on Sunday, signing a five-year contract until 2029. Forest had also expressed interest in signing the 19-year-old striker and engaged in discussions about a potential deal.
This transaction was among several discussions held between the clubs as they navigated financial constraints. Despite this, both Nottingham and Newcastle have successfully negotiated deals this summer, with Elliot Anderson moving from St James’ Park to the City Ground for £35 million. Additionally, Odysseas Vlachodimos made the opposite switch to join Newcastle from Nottingham.
Newcastle considered loaning Minteh out last season, but his impressive performances at Dutch powerhouse Feyenoord, where he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 27 Eredivisie appearances, highlighted his promising potential at a young age.
Nottingham, having struggled with goal-scoring last season in the Premier League, with only three teams scoring fewer goals, were keen on Minteh’s attacking abilities to bolster their upcoming campaign.
While Nottingham has been focused on strengthening their squad this summer, they are also looking to sell four senior players to avoid any potential points deductions due to financial fair play regulations, which they are currently expected to comply with.
