Eddie Howe told to unleash ‘Gambian Lionel Messi’ at Newcastle United next season

Newcastle United supporters were in awe after Yankuba Minteh bagged his 10th goal of the season.

His strike from close range was the second in Feyenoord’s thrilling 3-2 win over NEC Nijmegen. Newcastle stumped up £7million to sign the 19-year-old from Odense Boldklub last summer.

Minteh was immediately loaned out to Feyenoord where he has shone to trigger talk about extending his stay. But his 16 goal contributions, Champions League appearances and cup-final win have Toon fans clamouring for him to be given a chance next season.

NewcastleWorld understands Feyenoord - whose manager Arne Slot is set to take charge at Liverpool - want to re-sign the winger on loan. The player himself has given mixed answers regarding another switch but he sees his long-term career in the Premier League. Eddie Howe will take a look at Minteh in pre-season before deciding his next move.

Fans online appear unanimous in wanting Minteh in the first-team ranks for 2024-25. One comment labelled him the “Gambian Lionel Messi” after he netted against NEC.

Another suggested Slot’s expected Liverpool arrival should be a reason to keep him on Tyneside. The post read: “Another man-of-the-match performance for Yankuba Minteh. 

“Personally, I’d bring him back in next season, especially with Slot moving on. It'll not be the same under new management.”

One fan insisted that Minteh already looks “better than Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy” for the right-wing spot. The position is thought to be high on Newcastle’s shopping list ahead of the summer transfer window.