Yankuba Minteh could be in for a long stay in the Netherlands. After arriving at Feyenoord on loan from Newcastle at the start of the season, the Magpies are considering calling the talented winger back home in January.
Sent to sharpen his skills in the Eredivise, Yankuba Minteh is currently delighting Feyenoord. The 19-year-old Scorpion, who belongs to Newcastle, is playing and progressing in a club and league where the pressure is less than in the Premier League. The young Gambian was the Magpies' first summer recruit, bought from Danish club Odense.
Still in his teens to make his mark on the Tyneside outfit, Minteh was sent to Feyenoord. For the time being, he has no regrets about his loan. The striker made a positive impression at the De Kuip stadium, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 16 appearances in all competitions. Minteh has also put in solid performances in Champions League matches against the likes of Celtic and Atletico Madrid. "Everything is going well so far at Feyenoord. It's a good team and I'm surrounded by good people. So it's been a positive start. The level of soccer in the Netherlands is very good and I'm trying to work as hard as I can every day in training and at matches," confides the youngster.
Shortened loan?
With the number of injuries currently affecting Newcastle's squad, the Magpies' directors are even considering recalling him to Saint James Park.But Feyenoord are unlikely to let Minteh go. Especially as the player is enjoying his time in Dutch colors. "The coaches and players in the team have given me a lot of advice and tried to help me a lot. If I don't understand something, they're there to explain it to me so that I understand what they want.I feel I'm making a lot of progress on and off the pitch," Minteh says.
Even so, Minteh's season-long stay at Feyenoord could be cut short at the January mercato. And Magpies boss Eddie Howe has admitted that this solution is under consideration.
