“Our scouts were also impressed” – Manager says Newcastle United beat them to signing, but it’s worked out ok

Newcastle United completed the signing of Yankuba Minteh from Odense Boldklub and then sent him out on loan to Feyenoord in the last window.

Last season, the winger managed six goals and seven assists from 21 games for the Danish side and his form caught the attention of several clubs, including the Magpies.

Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad, relayed by FR12.nl, Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has revealed that his side looked at the 19-year-old before Newcastle acquired his services.

“Our scouts were also impressed by his year at Odense. At one point, Dennis te Kloese came to the technical staff (to recommend him). Minteh went to Newcastle United and the English club were looking for a club to loan him to. That’s how he came to us,” he said.

The Eredivisie winners were presented with an opportunity to take the Newcastle owned player on loan after missing out on signing him permanently. Minteh has impressed this season, managing three goals and an assist from nine games.

Slot claims the Gambia international “doesn’t lack self-confidence” and his “willingness to give everything is enormous”. The manager is also pleased with the attacker’s work ethic and uses his display in Feyenoord’s 4-0 over Ajax as an example to explain it.

“There he’s occasionally late to Jorrel Hato. But then he starts a sprint of 70 meters to catch up with Borna Sosa. When we see his statistics, it’s really impressive. Minteh ran more sprints against Ajax in an hour than many other boys do in two games. He’s incredibly fast. And he wants it so badly,” Slot explained.

Feyenoord will be without Minteh at the start of 2024 as he’ll be representing Gambia at the AFCON.

Slot also explained the Dutch club don’t have any pressure from Newcastle to hand Minteh regular minutes this season.

”He recently shot Gambia to a ticket for the Africa Cup next winter. Then we have lost him, just like Zerrouki by the way,” the Feyenoord manager added.

“Newcastle haven’t made any requirements regarding minimum playing time or anything like that. I haven’t seen any people from Saudi Arabia here with requests at all.”