Gambia: Yankuba Minteh, Feyenoord's rising gem
Minteh could cut short his stay in the Netherlands. He joined Feyenoord at the start of the season from Newcastle, who are reportedly considering recalling him.
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Sent out to toughen up in the Eredivise, Yankuba Minteh is currently delighting Feyenoord. The Scorpion, 19, who belongs to Newcastle, is playing and developing at a club and in a league where the pressure is lower than in the Premier League. The young Gambian was the Magpies' first summer signing, bought from Danish club Odense.
Still raw and not ready to claim a place in the Tyneside side, Minteh was therefore sent to Feyenoord. For now, he has no regrets about his loan. The forward has made a positive impression at De Kuip, 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 sides such as 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 football in the Netherlands is very good and I'm trying to work as hard as possible every day in training and in matches", says the youngster.
Loan cut short?
With a number of injuries currently hitting Newcastle's squad, the Magpies hierarchy are even reportedly considering recalling him to St James' Park. But it is not certain Feyenoord would let Minteh go, especially as the player is relishing life in Dutch colours. "The coaches and the players in the team have given me a lot of advice and have tried to help me a lot. If I don't understand something, they are there to explain it to me so that I properly understand what they want. I feel I'm progressing a lot on and off the pitch", Minteh says.
Even so, Minteh's one-season stay at Feyenoord could be cut short in the January transfer window. And the Magpies boss, Eddie Howe, has admitted that this option is under consideration.
Jim CEESAY