Exclusive: Brighton's Gambian Star Yankuba Minteh Tipped to Become Africa's Next Football Icon

Brighton and Hove Albion's young talent has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen, becoming one of Europe's most feared African strikers, says Gambia legend Baboucarr Momodou.

The 20-year-old winger has been turning heads in East Sussex since his move from Newcastle United in July 2024, with the reported £30 million fee serving as a clear testament to his potential.

Minteh has scored two goals in five starts for the Seagulls so far in the 2023-24 season, making him the highest-scoring Gambian in Premier League history. He also has one assist to his name as Fabian Hurzeler’s side sits in the top half of the table.

His speed and skill have caught the attention of many, and the retired striker has predicted a bright future for his compatriot in European football, one that could see him follow in the footsteps of the Egyptian and Nigerian internationals, whose performances have set a high standard for African players.

"Minteh has been sensational at Brighton this season, showcasing immense talent and a bright future ahead," Momodou told SportsBoom.com. "With a positive mindset and consistent performances, he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of [Mohamed] Salah and Victor [Osimhen], becoming one of Africa’s most feared strikers in Europe."

"His Premier League stats are highly impressive, reflecting his ability at his age. It's no surprise that his contributions have helped keep Brighton in the top half of the table."

"With players like Danny Welbeck as teammate, I think he is well-positioned to learn quickly and develop into a formidable force in football."

HOW MINTEH CAN STAY RELEVANT AT BRIGHTON

Minteh signed his first professional contract with Danish club OB following an impressive youth career at Steve Biko FC in his native Gambia.

He scored the winning goal on his Superliga debut against Copenhagen, just three minutes after coming on as a substitute for Franco Tongya. His potential was quickly recognized by Newcastle United, who signed him before loaning him to Feyenoord for the 2023–24 season.

Momodou has shared valuable advice with Yankuba Minteh on how to maintain relevance at Brighton and in the Premier League.

He continued: "Minteh made a wise decision moving to Brighton from Newcastle. The transfer provides him with opportunities to develop and mature as a player."

"However, to secure a regular spot in the team, he needs to increase his goal contributions, even though he isn’t a natural center forward. The Premier League is a highly physical competition, and for Minteh to maintain his consistency, staying injury-free will be absolutely crucial."

"Mental resilience will play a key role in helping him stay focused during challenging moments, ensuring he remains at the top of his game. Also, growing into a leadership role both on and off the pitch will allow him to take on greater responsibility in crucial moments."

"More importantly, staying humble and avoiding distractions from fame will be essential for him to achieve greater success with both club and country."

CAF NOMINATION A MAJOR MILESTONE 

Following his nomination for the 2024 CAF Awards in the Young Player category, Minteh became the third Gambian to receive a nomination in this category, after Musa Barrow in 2019 and James Gomez in 2022.

Although Minteh didn't make the final three, the former Real de Banjul star highlights the importance of his nomination, stressing how it reflects positively on Gambian football.

"It's unfortunate that he didn’t make the final shortlist, but being recognised among the top five young African players is a remarkable achievement," he said. 

"This recognition alone can serve as motivation for him to reach even greater heights in his football career. As I told him during his last international duty, 'the world is watching you, and all you need to do is keep playing to the best of your ability someday, you'll be recognised for it."

"His nomination is a tremendous source of pride for Gambian football, showcasing its growth and inspiring other young players to keep dreaming big. Being nominated alone proves our golden boy is already a winner."

"It’s only a matter of time before he inspires the Gambia senior national to achieve greater heights. This is no disrespect to senior players like captain [Omar] Colley and Musa Barrow, who have consistently given their best for the country."

"It’s unfortunate that we missed out on the next Africa Cup of Nations, denying Africans the chance to witness the exceptional quality he possesses."