Brighton duo klaar om Premier League debuut te maken bij Everton opener
Brighton staat klaar om Premier League debuut te geven aan Mats Wieffer en Yankuba Minteh in hun wedstrijd tegen Everton komende zaterdag.
Wieffer kwam deze zomer voor £25 miljoen van Feyenoord naar de Seagulls, terwijl Minteh voor £30 miljoen van Newcastle kwam na een indrukwekkende leningperiode bij Feyenoord vorig seizoen.
Arne Slot signed Mats Wieffer from Excelsior for around £350,000 in 2021, and the Netherlands international went on to make 79 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing 11 assists from midfield. Wieffer was instrumental in Slot’s team winning the Eredivisie title in the 2022-23 season.
Slot commented on Wieffer’s progress: “It’s fantastic for him, and also for Feyenoord, because it’s the biggest transfer in the club’s history,” he told ViaPlay last month. “That he can make the step to the Premier League two years after coming from Excelsior is great for him.”
Yankuba Minteh joined Feyenoord on loan from Newcastle for the 2023-24 season and, after a slow start, became a standout performer. The Gambian winger made 27 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists. Slot praised Minteh’s speed: “If you are that fast, it is a huge weapon. One action and he is gone, and you won’t catch up with him again.”
Before joining Brighton, Wieffer was linked with Liverpool, while Newcastle manager Eddie Howe wanted to retain Minteh but had to sell due to financial fair play constraints.
Both players have impressed during pre-season for Brighton and are expected to play key roles in Fabian Hurzeler’s team at Goodison Park this Saturday.
Wieffer remarked: “I had two good seasons with Feyenoord, including European football and national team experience. Brighton is the perfect place for me to take the next step. Many players here develop really well, and having Dutch players around helps.”
He also praised Minteh’s progress: “In the first half of the season, he didn’t play much, but in the second half, he was amazing for Feyenoord. He’s really fast and contributed a lot with goals and assists. It’s a pleasure to play with him.”
Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler, at 31, will be the youngest Premier League manager when he leads his team against Everton this week. His attacking style has already seen Brighton score 14 goals in four pre-season matches.
Wieffer added: “I really like the way he wants to play football with high pressure. It’s how the players want to play as well, and I am used to that, so I like it.”