Over the past five years, Newcastle United’s fixtures with Brighton & Hove Albion have become a compelling Premier League rivalry defined by fine margins, contrasting styles, and tactical discipline.
The Magpies have often found Brighton’s fluid attacking shape difficult to contain.
Their 3–0 defeat in March 2021 under Steve Bruce was a low point in the club’s modern history – a result that underlined the growing gulf between a stagnant Newcastle and an ascendant Brighton.
Eddie Howe’s appointment marked a turning point, and by March 2022, Newcastle struck back with a 2–1 victory at St James’ Park, signalling their resurgence.
That resurgence peaked in May 2023, when Howe’s side thrashed Brighton 4–1 in one of their most complete performances of the season – a result that helped secure Champions League qualification.
But since then, Brighton have regained the upper hand.
Evan Ferguson’s stunning hat-trick in September 2023 sealed a 3–1 win at the Amex, while the Seagulls edged a dramatic 2–1 FA Cup victory after extra time at St James’ Park in 2025.
When the sides met in October 2024, Brighton’s 1–0 away win continued their dominance, meaning Newcastle have managed just one win in their last six meetings.
The rivalry has become symbolic of Newcastle’s fluctuating form – moments of brilliance offset by costly lapses – and no player embodies that sting of regret quite like Yankuba Minteh.
Why Yankuba Minteh was sold by Newcastle
Minteh’s story is one that still frustrates many Newcastle fans.
The Gambian winger, just 21 years old, joined the Magpies from Odense BK in 2023, instantly impressing with his blistering pace and low centre of gravity.
But due to the club’s rush to remain PSR compliant in the summer of 2024, he was sold to Brighton for a fee of around £30m – a decision that has since come back to haunt them.
Since making the move to the south coast, Minteh has thrived.
This season, he has already played seven times for Brighton, registering one goal and two assists, while his underlying performances show his growing maturity.
Matches
7
Minutes Played
591
Shots
11
Progressive Carries
37
Progressive Passes
7
His dribbling, directness, and unpredictability have made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting young wingers.
The most symbolic moment came last season when he scored against his former club in Brighton’s home win over Newcastle.
His celebration – part praise, part provocation towards the travelling Toon Army – encapsulated both his passion and his defiance.
It was a reminder of what Newcastle had lost: a young winger capable of changing games.
Minteh’s 2024/25 campaign ended with six goals in 32 appearances, establishing him as a key piece in Fabian Hurzeler’s system.
Internationally, he continues to shine for Gambia, scoring seven goals in 19 caps since making his debut in 2022.
His evolution at Brighton highlights Newcastle’s biggest frustration – selling a player they had barely begun to utilise.
And now, as the two clubs prepare to meet again in the 3pm kick-off this Saturday, Minteh stands as both a warning and an inspiration for Eddie Howe: talent must be trusted early, or it risks flourishing elsewhere.
Newcastle's answer to Minteh
While Minteh is thriving in Brighton blue, Newcastle may already have their answer in Anthony Elanga.
The Swedish international has endured a mixed start to life on Tyneside since his move from Nottingham Forest, but recent performances suggest he’s turning a corner.
Elanga, 23, has been central to Howe’s efforts to reignite Newcastle’s attack.
Though the Magpies have been solid defensively – keeping six clean sheets already this season – their forward line has struggled to find rhythm.
Elanga’s energy, pace, and ability to stretch defences could be the key to unlocking that potential.
His performances have improved as the season progresses: sharper off the ball, more decisive in transition, and increasingly willing to take on defenders.
It’s that blend of directness and discipline that earned him the tag of “dangerous” by analyst Ben Mattinson – traits that made Elanga a standout at Forest and once an attacking outlet under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
Much like Minteh, Elanga thrives when given space to run at full-backs, but his tactical versatility has allowed Howe to use him both wide and centrally.
His developing chemistry with Nick Woltemade gives Newcastle new dimensions going forward.
Crucially, Elanga represents something Newcastle lost with Minteh – fearless attacking intent.
The Swede’s willingness to press high, carry the ball aggressively, and exploit space behind defenders fits perfectly into Howe’s transition-heavy system.
With Brighton’s full-backs pushing high, Elanga’s pace could prove decisive in this weekend’s clash.
If he can produce the kind of form that once made him one of Manchester United’s brightest young prospects, Newcastle may finally have their revenge.
He already dazzled last term with 17 goals and assists in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest, as per Sofascore, far eclipsing Minteh’s own record of ten goal involvements on the south coast.
For Howe, this fixture is more than another Premier League match – it’s a test of progress, identity, and belief in youth.
Minteh’s success elsewhere may still sting, but in Elanga, Newcastle have a player ready to define their future rather than haunt their past.