Newcastle United appears to be on the cusp of discovering a valuable asset during the Dan Ashworth era. Even though the summer transfer window closed just a month ago, discussions on social media regarding the club’s plans for strengthening the team in the upcoming season are already gaining momentum. Speculation surrounds potential targets like Kalvin Phillips, a young striker, or an attacking midfielder to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad. These are similar positions that were discussed during the summer, with a possible need to reinforce the right-wing.
Nonetheless, Miguel Almiron continues to impress, proving that his improved form from the previous season was no fluke. He recently made a significant impact in the Champions League by scoring a remarkable goal against PSG. Almiron’s stock has risen under the guidance of the Magpies’ head coach. Still, it’s undeniable that the squad, apart from Almiron, lacks the desired output in the final third, especially as the winger is approaching the twilight of his career.
While Jacob Murphy works diligently, his goal and assist statistics could use improvement. However, there’s no immediate indication that Newcastle will make substantial investments in January with the aim of securing European football qualification once more. The budget for the January transfer window is likely to be contingent on the club’s performance in the Champions League, with qualification being a significant financial boost and vital for complying with Financial Fair Play regulations. The impressive victory over PSG indicated that Newcastle is making a mark on the European stage.
To achieve lasting success, Newcastle will need to maintain a trajectory of improvement and strive to outperform the Premier League heavyweights, while Financial Fair Play imposes constraints on their growth. The club has demonstrated a focus on acquiring young talent for the future, as seen in the signings of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall during the summer.
Another exciting addition to the squad is Yankuba Minteh, who has exceeded supporters’ expectations since his signing, even though he is currently on a season-long loan with Feyenoord in the Netherlands. This loan is aiding his progression as a young player and helping him meet Work Permit regulations. Although he had a slow start with Feyenoord, he has made significant strides, earning his Champions League debut and a senior international cap.
Yankuba Minteh might be the solution to Newcastle’s right-wing challenges in the long term. He has primarily played on the right flank for Feyenoord, recording three goals and one assist in domestic matches. He has also spent time as a center-forward in European competitions. Minteh’s performances have earned him high praise from Feyenoord’s manager, Arne Slot, and there are rumors of Feyenoord seeking to secure his services permanently. Given the impact he’s making, it seems unlikely that Newcastle would allow such a transfer, making Minteh a valuable addition to Eddie Howe’s squad for the next season.
Yankuba Minteh’s qualities, highlighted by Arne Slot, are reminiscent of Miguel Almiron’s playing style for Newcastle United. Additionally, Minteh has an impressive rating, ranking 12th in the entire Eredivisie, despite playing fewer minutes than those he’s compared to. His performance outshines that of many seasoned internationals and more experienced players.
Considering that Newcastle reportedly paid just €7 million to Odense for Minteh, this acquisition could prove to be one of the best bargains of the last transfer window. While transitioning from the Eredivisie to the Premier League is a significant challenge, Minteh has met every test with flying colors so far. Although it’s still early days, the loan deal appears to be a resounding success, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Newcastle pursue similar deals in the future.