REPORT: Newcastle Puts Yankuba Minteh on Market: Eddie Howe and Everton Weigh In

The final week of June has always been pivotal for Newcastle United as they navigate the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. In recent years, the club’s outgoing sales have generated modest income, dwarfed by high-profile signings such as Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, and Anthony Gordon. Consequently, Newcastle is among several Premier League clubs potentially at risk of violating financial regulations. This situation has led the St. James’ Park hierarchy to consider selling one of their players, with significant movement expected in the coming days.

Interest has been noted in several Newcastle players. Striker Callum Wilson has reportedly attracted an inquiry from West Ham United, while Miguel Almiron continues to draw attention from the Saudi Pro League, despite rejecting an offer to move there during the January transfer window. Other players like Matt Targett, Martin Dubravka, and Sean Longstaff have also garnered tentative interest from clubs within the Premier League and beyond. However, recent reports suggest Newcastle has identified Yankuba Minteh as their most likely asset to sell.

This potential move might seem unexpected to United supporters. The 19-year-old winger delivered a series of impressive performances during a season-long loan spell at Feyenoord. After joining Newcastle in a £6.3 million deal from Danish club Odense last summer, Minteh was loaned to the Dutch giants to gain experience. He thrived, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in 37 appearances, which validated Newcastle’s developmental strategy. However, this success has also piqued the interest of other clubs, making a permanent move away from Tyneside likely. This departure would occur without Minteh ever making a first-team appearance for Newcastle.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, frequently discussed Minteh’s development towards the end of the last season. Howe expressed his satisfaction with Minteh’s progress at Feyenoord and his eagerness to evaluate the winger during Newcastle’s pre-season schedule. Following Minteh’s Dutch Cup win with Feyenoord in April, Howe commented: “I have been keeping a very close eye on him. That would have been a great day for him despite the sending off. I think he has done really well and attacked the challenge of going alone, new league, new team-mates, and has played in the Champions League. I think he has done really well this year and he can be proud of his efforts. I have tended not to communicate, I think you are better off letting the players focus and not give them too many distractions. Let’s wait and see what happens in his next step.”

While there are no official figures on the amount Newcastle needs to raise to comply with profit and sustainability rules, reports suggest the club believes it could garner up to £40 million from Minteh’s sale. This would represent a nearly £34 million profit on a player who has never appeared for the club. However, a more realistic figure might be around £26 million, given the number of suitors interested in the winger in recent days.

It would not be surprising if Feyenoord expressed interest in another season-long loan for Minteh, following his successful stint at De Kuip Stadium last season. Although Newcastle had been open to such an arrangement, they now seem inclined towards a permanent sale, which would likely be beyond Feyenoord’s financial capacity. Clubs such as Roma and Lyon have also shown interest, but Everton is reportedly the most likely destination. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Minteh prefers a move to Everton.

Over the weekend, Minteh’s agent Bakary Bojang spoke to The Chronicle, stating: “It is correct that Newcastle are willing to sell the player if they receive a good offer. From our side, if Newcastle wants to sell and the sporting project is good we will definitely look at it. We are in communication with some clubs. I can’t confirm clubs who are in communication with us. We have agreed terms with one of the clubs. So now the rest is with Newcastle.”

Newcastle has long been interested in Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a target since a PIF-led consortium took over St. James’ Park in October 2021. Negotiations to bring the England international to Tyneside are ongoing, with some hope for an agreement. However, this deal is separate from the Minteh transaction, as a part-exchange would be too complex.

In summary, Newcastle United faces a critical juncture as they balance their books to comply with Premier League regulations. The potential sale of Yankuba Minteh, despite his promising development, underscores the financial pressures facing the club. Fans will be watching closely as the transfer window progresses, hoping for a resolution that strengthens the team both on and off the pitch.