Forget Tonali! Newcastle have a SUPERSTAR on their hands

Suraj Radia

• 28 Mar 2024 19:15 GMT
• 4 min read

Newcastle have struggled with injuries, consistency and off-the-pitch drama this season, with the latest setback coming with Sandro Tonali being charged by the FA for betting breaches.

Tonali is currently serving a ten month ban following an investigation in October into illegal bets made during his time at Milan and the FA have now charged the Italian based on breaches allegedly made following his record transfer to Newcastle last summer.

Newcastle are also dealing with the prospect of a significant summer shake up, with sporting director Dan Ashworth placed on gardening leave and the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak likely to face significant interest from rival clubs.

READ MORE: Latest Newcastle transfer news

It has left a feeling of gloom overshadowing St James’ Park, having initially been optimistic at the potential of building on the club’s Champions League qualification last season.

However, while Newcastle may be looking for reasons to be excited, one of their young starlets has been making a name for himself in the Netherlands

And the progress of forward Yankuba Minteh at Feyenoord has given Newcastle and Eddie Howe the belief that they may have a gem on their hands to potentially bring the joy back to Tyneside next season.

The dramatic rise of Yankuba Minteh

Minteh only signed for Newcastle last summer from Danish side Odense for a fee of €8 million and was instantly loaned to Feyenoord, where he has established himself as a crucial first team player over the course of the season

The right winger only started eight of his first 19 appearances with the Eredivisie champions and was criticised by manager Arne Slot for his selfishness on the ball during his initial performances at the club.

However, Slot has appreciated the 19-year-old’s efforts and need to gain experience, having still been playing football in his native Gambia less than two years ago.

READ MORE: Latest Newcastle transfer rumours

And the faith in Minteh has paid off in recent weeks, with the forward starting six of the last eight games and netting four goals and one assist in that time, leading to Slot admitting that the youngster’s rapid improvement could see him outgrow the club soon.

Newcastle have been looking for a long-term successor to the inconsistent Miguel Almiron at right wing and the emergence of Minteh could be a boost to a team in desperate need for fresh blood and revitalisation.

While there has been no decision made on Minteh’s future, with the possibility of another loan just as likely as a place in Howe’s first team, the development of a potential superstar will ease any losses over the summer and provide the platform for Newcastle to recover from a shaky campaign.