Yankuba Minteh has made a perfect start to his loan spell with Feyenoord as the Newcastle United loanee netted a debut goal. The teenage winger converted from the penalty spot as the Eredivisie champions began their preparations with a victory over PEC Zwolle on Saturday.
The Magpies confirmed a deal with Danish side Odense Boldklub last month for Minteh, with the new recruit immediately sent on a season-long loan to Feyenoord. It marks an astonishing rise for the Gambian prospect, who only made 17 senior appearances for his former side but could now compete in this season's Champions League.
Sporting director Dan Ashworth hailed the move for a rising star with 'high potential', stressing the signing is the latest sign of the club's newfound commitment to bringing in 'emerging talent'. Assistant loans manager Peter Ramage confirmed the club were 'excited' by Minteh, and hope he can fulfil a first-team role with the Magpies after a 'bit more development'.
Minteh made his first appearance for Feyenoord as a second-half substitute in the 3-1 friendly victory over PEC Zwolle, with head coach Arne Slot naming two different elevens. The Dutch club were two goals ahead at the break courtesy of strikes from Danilo and Ezequiel Bullaude.
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Apostolos Vellios pulled one back after the interval, but Feyenoord were granted the opportunity to restore their two-goal cushion from the penalty spot. Minteh stepped up and made no mistake, finding the bottom left-hand corner.
Feyenoord return to action on Wednesday against Belgian outfit Club Brugge. Newcastle's first-team stars have reported for their first day of pre-season on Sunday, with neighbours Gateshead FC their first opponents on Saturday.
