Yankuba Minteh has opened the door to a second loan spell at Feyenoord – but admits it is up Newcastle United where he plays his football next season.
After bagging two goals and an assist in a 6-0 win over Ajax on Sunday, the 19-year-ol was interviewed by ESPN and quizzed on his future in Rotterdam.
Pushed for an answer, he said: “My focus is here. Yes, I am a Newcastle player, but at the moment my focus is on Feyenoord.
“Would I like to play for Feyenoord next season? I don’t know. I can’t say. It’s a great club. If I have the chance of course I would stay. It depends on what Newcastle is going to decide. Not me.” Watch the post-match interview 4:38 into the clip below:
Minteh took his tally to 10 goals and four assists for the season yesterday. He looks a huge talent, mixing electric pace with high-intensity and moments of real quality in front of goal.
He’ll surely return for pre-season, where Eddie Howe is likely to take a good look at the exciting Gambian, but a second loan move could be on the cards to continue his development.
A move to a top Championship side has been mentioned to help him adjust to English football, yet another spell in Rotterdam may also appeal given his progression under Arne Slot, regular game time and experience in the Champions League, cup finals and Eredivisie title race.
I think we have to be sensible with Minteh. The boy is developing really well & has had a very good season in Holland & Slot seems to be doing a good job with him – 6-0 against Ajax is a big win.
But this is arguably the poorest Ajax team in many years – and probably the weakest the Dutch league has been in a long while.
Minteh is only 19 and I’m not sure he’s ready for the PL just yet. Maybe staying in Holland will get him more game time – but I think English football might be better for his development.
A season in the Championship would be what I’d be looking at – with Holland there if we can’t find the right club for him.
Sharpy17(Quote)