It would be quite ironic if a player Newcastle was compelled to sell for financial reasons ended up preventing them from reaching the lucrative Champions League.
Yankuba Minteh, alongside local player Elliot Anderson, was one of two individuals sold last summer to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Minteh, the Gambian player, struck early to hinder Newcastle`s pursuit of a top-five finish in this match.
However, Alexander Isak`s penalty late in the game, awarded after two previous Newcastle penalty decisions were overturned by VAR, limited the potential damage.
The 20-year-old Minteh moved south to Brighton, having never made a senior appearance for Newcastle.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was reluctant to lose either the winger or the 22-year-old Anderson, who has become a crucial player in Nottingham Forest`s surprising bid for European qualification.
But financial constraints imposed by the Profit and Sustainability Rules forced his hand, despite the club`s wealthy Saudi ownership.
Minteh then demonstrated his value by scoring the opening goal just before the 30-minute mark.
The young player seemed to relish the moment, appearing to provoke the visiting fans by pointing to the ground as if declaring `This is my home now`.
This was a noticeable change from his decision not to celebrate when scoring an equaliser for Albion at St James` Park in the FA Cup back in March.
Supporters might have wondered about this change in attitude.
However, Howe`s primary concern would have been the impact on his team`s European ambitions, which were fortunately boosted by Isak`s late penalty.
Newcastle remains in a strong position but faces a challenging schedule, with home games against Chelsea and Everton, and an away trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Figuring out the intricate scenarios for European qualification this season is complicated enough to baffle even a renowned scientist.
Potentially, up to ten teams could qualify, although some unlikely results would be needed for this to occur.
Certainly, both Brighton and Newcastle, who have already secured a Europa Conference League spot from their EFL Cup triumph, are definitely in the mix.
Newcastle`s poor record without a win at the Amex Stadium suggested this would be a difficult match for the visitors.
While Brighton had conceded 15 goals in their last six league matches, they maintained an unbeaten record against Newcastle in their seven previous Premier League home encounters.
From the start, Minteh was matched against Dan Burn, who had made the reverse journey, leaving Brighton to join Newcastle`s resurgence under Howe in 2022.
However, the young player`s match seemed potentially over after just five minutes when he clutched his knee and needed medical attention.
Fortunately, he could continue playing and was later visibly angry when a challenge from Burn appeared to take him down, but no foul or yellow card was given.
It`s uncertain whether this incident fuelled Minteh`s passionate celebration later, or if it was influenced by a foul call that *was* given against him for a challenge on Tino Livramento shortly after.
After Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock missed promising opportunities for the visitors, Minteh found himself with space inside the penalty area.
He got past Livramento and Sandro Tonali before unleashing a shot that deflected off Burn and went into the net.
This led to his unusual celebration in front of the away supporters, and eventually, teammate Mats Wieffer had to pull Minteh away.
Early in the second half, Dutchman Wieffer risked a second yellow card after a tackle on Tonali, but referee Craig Pawson was lenient.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler wisely substituted him immediately afterwards, bringing on Tariq Lamptey, just minutes before Anthony Gordon entered the game for Newcastle.
Within moments of Gordon`s introduction, the first of two penalties later overturned was awarded when Lamptey fouled him.
However, VAR review indicated that the initial contact occurred just outside the box, and Pawson changed his decision to a free-kick.
Twenty minutes from time, Pawson again awarded a penalty after Joe Willock went down following a challenge from Jan Paul van Hecke.
But after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, Pawson reversed his decision once more and booked Willock for diving.
Brighton might also have had a penalty when Tonali seemed to foul Matt O`Riley, but no decision was given.
With only four minutes remaining, Newcastle finally earned a penalty that would stand after Fabian Schar`s powerful free-kick struck the outstretched arm of substitute Yasin Ayari.
Despite this appearing to be a clear penalty, there was a lengthy VAR check, but eventually, Isak was allowed to convert from the penalty spot.
Nine minutes of added time followed, during which substitute Diego Gomez missed an excellent headed opportunity with his first touch. Howe was left to ponder if his former player Minteh might ultimately cost his side precious points.
