Eddie Howe's Yankuba Minteh reveal speaks volumes as Liverpool close in on agreement
Eddie Howe made it no secret that Newcastle United would have liked to have kept hold of Yankuba Minteh in 2024.
The 22-year-old is expected to miss the opening months of the Premier League season, but is thought to be a future superstar and will replace Mohamed Salah on the right of the attack if he makes the move.
Newcastle's decision to sell Minteh was one made with the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in mind, as they were with the exit of Elliot Anderson.
The midfielder left the Magpies in the same window for £35m, and has joined Manchester City this summer for £116m.
In what has already been a damaging summer for Newcastle amid the departures of countless key stars, the potential loss of £118m in sales has only rubbed salt in the wounds.
Eddie Howe admits Yankuba Minteh decision 'hurt'
Ironically, Minteh likely would have been the perfect player for Newcastle over the last few years.
The Gambia international's presence may have prevented the signing of Anthony Elanga, who cost £55m and has failed to impress since making the move.
The Magpies had spent just £6m to sign the winger from Danish side Odense BK, and his season on loan at Feyenoord promised brilliance.
But faced with a potential PSR breach after the signings of Sandro Tonali, Alexander Isak and several others in recent windows, Newcastle had to accept the £68m on the table for Minteh and Anderson.
Speaking in 2024, Howe said: "In my opinion, it was absolutely the right thing to do but it still hurts to have done it. We had no other option.
"Regardless of how Elliot does and what Yankuba does, it was still the right thing to do for the benefit of Newcastle. We couldn’t breach PSR and couldn’t have our points deducted.
"We didn’t want to sell Yankuba at all, we believe in his potential and everything about his profile fits with what we needed but we had to make a decision based on finances.
"The plan would have been to involve [Minteh] of course if he was ours. We would have utilised his skill set and the attributes he has.
"We know tomorrow coming up against him we’re going to have to defend very well because he’s got standout qualities. Pace, power, a lovely left foot – we’re well aware of his strengths.”
Newcastle continue to be plagued by PSR
PSR has been a constant thorn in the side of Newcastle in recent years, and it continues to be a problem.
This summer, the Magpies have lost Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon as they attempt to deal with the financial restrictions, with Howe having now stepped down as well.
New manager Matthias Jaissle will find similar problems at St James' Park, with the feeling very much that Newcastle are starting over this summer.
Next time players like Anderson or Minteh emerge at Newcastle, however, the aim will be to keep hold of them.