Yankuba Minteh‘s rise from the streets of Bakoteh to the Premier League is one of the most compelling stories in Gambian football.
The Brighton & Hove Albion winger has built a reputation for his blistering pace, direct running and willingness to take on defenders. Fearless in one-on-one situations and relentless in his work rate, the 22-year-old has become one of the most exciting Gambian players of his generation.
But his journey to English football’s top flight has been anything but ordinary.
Minteh grew up playing football on the streets and dusty pitches of Bakoteh, sometimes training barefoot. From those humble beginnings, he worked his way through Gambian football before making the move to Europe and rising quickly through the ranks.
Today, he plays for Brighton, having joined from Newcastle United in July 2024 in a deal reported to be worth Β£30m. It made him the most expensive Gambian footballer at the time.
His move followed an impressive loan spell at Feyenoord, where he scored 10 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions during the 2023-24 season and attracted interest from clubs across Europe.
From Bakoteh to Europe
Minteh began his senior career with Steve Biko during the 2021-22 Gambian First Division season, having previously played youth football for Bakoteh United.
He spent one season with Steve Biko before an opportunity arose to move to Denmark. His agent, Bakary Bojang, recommended him to Odense Boldklub (OB), alongside fellow Gambian Dawda Darboe.
An initial trial did not lead to a move, but Minteh was given another opportunity in the summer of 2022. He eventually signed a two-year contract, initially joining the club’s under-19 side before progressing to the senior team.
His breakthrough came during the 2022-23 season, when he made 17 appearances in the Danish Superliga, scoring four goals and providing four assists. His pace and attacking instincts quickly made him one to watch.
Newcastle move and Feyenoord breakthrough
On 12 June 2023, Newcastle United announced the signing of Minteh from OB in a deal reported to be worth about β¬7m.
Rather than immediately joining Newcastle’s first-team squad, he was sent on loan to Feyenoord for the 2023-24 campaign.
It proved to be a defining season.
Playing mainly on the right wing, Minteh brought speed, intensity and directness to the Dutch side’s attack. He became a regular threat, using his acceleration and close control to trouble defenders while also contributing to the team’s pressing game.
One of his standout performances came in the 6-0 win over Ajax in De Klassieker, when he scored twice and provided an assist.
He also found the net in the Champions League, scoring against Celtic in a 2-1 defeat in December 2023. The goal made him the second Gambian to score in the competition, after Ebrima Colley.
Minteh finished the campaign with 10 goals in all competitions and helped Feyenoord win the KNVB Cup. His performances strengthened his reputation as one of Europe’s promising young wide players and helped secure his next move.
| Year/season | Club | Market value |
| 13.09.2022 | Odense Boldklub U19 | β¬100,000 |
| 26.06.2023 | Odense Boldklub U19 | β¬2m |
| 31.05.2024 | Feynoord | β¬16m |
| 18.03.2025 | Brighton | β¬30m |
| 07.10.2026 | Brighton | β¬55m |
Making his mark at Brighton
Brighton signed Minteh from Newcastle on 1 July 2024 for a reported Β£30m, with the winger agreeing a five-year contract.
He made an immediate impression, providing an assist for Kaoru Mitoma on his Premier League debut in a 3-0 victory over Everton on 17 August.
His first league goal came in October, during a 3-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur. He later scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Chelsea, underlining his ability to deliver against some of the division’s strongest sides.
Minteh’s game is built around taking defenders on, attacking space and making things happen in the final third. His pace gives Brighton an outlet in transition, while his energy makes him an important part of their pressing approach.
He has continued to develop since arriving in England, adding experience to the raw speed and confidence that first brought him to the attention of European clubs.
Record move and growing market value
Minteh’s progress has also been reflected in his market value. Transfermarkt has placed his valuation at β¬45m, while reports have suggested Brighton would want between Β£70m and Β£80m to consider selling him.
Liverpool have been linked with the winger, with reports claiming the club have seen two bids rejected. The reported offers, understood to have been in the region of Β£50m to Β£60m, have fallen short of Brighton’s valuation.
There has also been attention on Minteh’s earnings since his move to the Premier League.
Minteh is reportedly on estimated gross salary at around Β£2.6m for the 2026-27 season, equivalent to approximately Β£50,000 a week before bonuses. Other reports have put his potential earnings higher when performance-related payments are included.
Inspiration for the Gambia
Minteh’s rise has also made him an important figure for the Gambia national team. After representing his country at youth level, he received his first senior call-up for friendly matches against DR Congo and Liberia. He scored his first international goal against Congo and was part of the Gambian squad at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
He has since become an influential member of the national set-up, both through his performances and his expectations of the team. Minteh has spoken openly about the need for higher standards and stronger performances from the Scorpions.
For young players in the Gambia, his journey offers a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, opportunity and persistence.
From playing barefoot on the streets of Bakoteh to facing some of the best defenders in the Premier League, Minteh’s rise has been rapid. At 22, he still has plenty of room to develop β and his story is far from finished.
