‘A clear motto’ - Newcastle United sold ‘role model’ as supporters debate £33m exit

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has insisted he cannot wait to unleash Yankuba Minteh on the Premier League.

Newcastle United reluctantly sold the winger for £33million as they scrambled over the June 30 FFP/PSR deadline. He left without kicking a ball for the Magpies following an impressive season on loan at Feyenoord.

Many wanted Minteh to be given a chance this season but financial pressures forced Newcastle to get creative in the transfer market. Club CEO Darren Eales revealed last month that selling the Gambian allowed the Magpies to keep star trio Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon.

Minteh has since ripped up pre-season for Brighton, bagging three goals in four games to turn heads on the south coast. Debate rages among Toon fans online whenever the 19-year-old finds the net given Newcastle’s conundrum on the right flank.

But for Brighton, they are the ones now anticipating a huge season from the £33million star. When asked about Minteh’s pre-season heroics, Seagulls boss Hurzeler said: "Let's wait for the Premier League to start. I have a clear motto. When you always give 100 per cent in training, you are counter-pressing and always trying to improve every day.

“Then you will perform like this in matches. He's a role model for that. I hope he can show the same performance in the Premier League. It's always difficult to judge after test games. You can play with more courage when it's about points. 

“The mindset is different. I'm happy with wins. Goals give you confidence. That's the main thing to take out of these games. I see a development and a process. The results will come."