Fairytale rise of 18-year-old Gambia Messi
THE AGENDA: Newcastle have ‘two-year plan’ for young talent from Odense
YANKUBA Minteh is seemingly set to become the latest signing at Newcastle United with an agreement on the reported £5.8m said to be ‘so close’.
Odense Boldklub’s rising star was left out of the squad for Saturday’s playoff defeat to FC Midtjylland as speculation mounted over an imminent switch to Tyneside.
No confirmation from either club has been forthcoming at this stage, although Odense director of football Bjorn Wesstrom admitted they were in ‘close negotiations’ with an unnamed foreign club.
Newcastle are understood to be the suitors in question, with Minteh himself stressing he was keen to make the move when asked about the rumours in April.
GBE requirements introduced in the wake of Brexit means the teenager would almost certainly head straight back out on loan should a deal be struck.
It would be the latest step in Minteh’s extraordinary rise, having only arrived at Odense from his native Gambia last summer, but one that will seemingly not come as a surprise to many who have witnessed his instant impact.
Reflecting on the anticipated transfer, Danish freelance football journalist Martin Davidsen told the Journal: “Minteh’s spell with Odense has been like a fairy tale. Nobody knew him a year ago, but since his debut against FC Copenhagen in September, he has been ‘talk of the town’ - especially because of his football skills and young age.
“Therefore, it is no surprise that he is close to move to a bigger club. Odense BK is keen on making a big transfer (in Danish terms) and already in the January transfer window there were rumours about Newcastle.
“So, it is no surprise – we have almost known from the beginning that this would be short term.”
Minteh’s debut campaign in European football has already yielded eight goal contributions in just 17 appearances, with reports of Newcastle’s interest first emerging two months ago.
The 18-year-old is obviously far from the finished article, but it is his speed and potential in the final third which has likely caught the eye of the Magpies.
Kristian Thomsen, who runs the ‘Danish Scout’ Twitter account, said: “Minteh is a left-footed inverted winger who is extremely quick and great at taking on defenders.
He is quite one-footed and still needs to work on his output and composure during games.” Davidsen added: “He is very, very fast and therefore he is a dangerous player for every team. I have never seen anything like that in the Danish Superliga.
“He also has good dribbling skills and he creates many chances for himself and his teammates.
“In Gambia they call him “The Gambia Messi”, and there is a lot of hype about him. He could also score more goals, but his potential is huge. Still, there is room for development. “Sometimes it looks like he wants to ‘save the whole world’ and win the game by himself, and he still needs more stability in his performances. Also, he seems a bit emotional, when things don’t go his way, but I guess it is because of his young age.”
Minteh was expected to develop with Odense’s under-19 side after his move last summer, but Thomsen watched as the summer signing quickly ‘hit the ground running’ in the first team. The winger was dubbed a ‘revelation’ by Danish outlet Tipsbladet after just five appearances, and this superb start suggests the next step of a move to the Premier League will not faze the youngster.
Davidsen said: “I think it has been a big thing for him to move from Gambia to Denmark at such a young age. A lot have happened in short time, and he is still learning to be a professional footballer with all the attention that follows.
“The fans were impressed with him in the beginning and expectations have been high since his first matches because we are aware of his potential. He is a special player and a special personality who is very shy and silent.
“In the end I think the fans are happy that Odense could find and
develop a player who can be sold to Premier League. The transfer fee can help develop the club further.”
Eddie Howe has spoken of the need for ‘elite’ recruits this summer and the desire to have two starting elevens to compete with the challenge of Champions League football next season. However, the expected deal for Minteh is proof of the Magpies’ commitment to scouring new markets to strengthen the club’s academy ranks.
The teenager would likely be viewed as a low-risk move for Newcastle, even though it would represent a record sale for Odense.
Thomsen and Davidsen agree Minteh has to be viewed as a potential signing for the coming campaigns, although the latter suggests the winger’s rapid rise so far suggests any early predictions might swiftly be proven wrong. Thomsen said: “Newcastle should expect a player who needs guidance and time. With how Newcastle have developed in no time, it is pretty obvious that Minteh needs a loan or two. He will definitely need time to develop physically and then we might see him in the Premier League in two years time.”
Davidsen added: “Newcastle will buy a player with a huge potential, and his speed is at Premier League level.
“But I guess he would need time to settle in a new country again and I would not be surprised, if Minteh could join another club on a loan deal or play for the reserves in the beginning.
“But you never know; in Odense we thought he should play for the Under 19-team this season. Instead, he has been one of the most interesting and best players to represent Odense the last 10 years.”