Yankuba Minteh reacts to Joao Pedro announcement at Brighton amid exit links
Yankuba Minteh reacted to an announcement from Brighton concerning exit-linked star Joao Pedro on social media.
The Brazilian striker signed for the Seagulls for a club record fee just shy of £30million [BBC Sport] in the summer of 2023.
During his stint on the south coast, Pedro has been in terrific form, scoring 30 goals in 70 games and assisting 10 more.
However, with Brighton in danger of missing out on European football for a second successive season, some of their stars may angle for a move this summer.
Pedro is a target for Liverpool and it was reported that Fabian Hurzeler’s side could be looking to cash in on the 23-year-old this coming transfer window.
Joao Pedro nominated for Premier League Young Player of the Season
Ahead of a crucial match against Premier League champions Liverpool, Brighton announced on their Instagram page Pedro had been nominated for the Young Player of the Season award.
The club posted a video of some of the Brazilian’s best moments, captioned: “10 goals, six assists. Our Premier League Young Player of the Season nominee, Joao Pedro!”
The post was then liked by teammate Minteh, showing his support for the talented forward.
The former Watford man will face stiff competition for the award, with the other nominees being Liam Delap, Anthony Elanga, Cole Palmer, Dean Huijsen, Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch, Morgan Rogers, and William Saliba.
Joao Pedro sale opens up interesting Brighton possibilities
Football Insider Verdict
There is little doubt that Pedro makes Brighton a better side when he is involved, but if the club were able to double their money on the Brazilian, his sale could be crucial long-term.
The Seagulls find themselves in the uber-competitive mid-part of the Premier League table alongside Brentford, Fulham, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace.
With just one or possibly two European spots available, each will be looking to steal a march on the other this summer.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Pedro |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Starts | 23 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Minutes | 1,953 |
That group of clubs will likely have similar targets in mind this summer, and having the financial boost from Pedro’s sale would allow the club to offer more sizeable wages.
What’s more, with several areas in need of an upgrade this summer, those funds could be spread across the squad to make it more competitive than it ever has been.