
Topics: Newcastle United, Premier League, Transfers, Eddie Howe
It is set to be a busy deadline day at St James' Park, with a second Newcastle player being linked with a move away following the news of Alexander Isak's immediate departure.
Having snapped up striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart last week, the Magpies were always expected to dip their toe into the market for another attacker amid the uncertainty around Isak's future.
In fact, just hours after Liverpool reached an agreement to sign Isak for a British-record fee, Newcastle agreed a £55 million deal with Brentford to sign long-term target Yoane Wissa.
Wissa, who issued a statement on Sunday publicly confirming his desire to leave Brentford, is said to have agreed a four-year deal with the club.
Advert
So, what does that mean for Newcastle striker William Osula? Despite scoring in their dramatic 3-2 defeat against Liverpool last month, the 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away.
A number of clubs have enquired about Osula's availability following the arrivals of Woltemade and Wissa, according to transfer journalist Pete O'Rourke, with the Mail suggesting Aston Villa are among those interested.
The report suggests that while Osula has stepped into the first team fold of late, the Dane will be 'back on the periphery' following their summer business.
Advert
The 22-year-old signed for Newcastle from Sheffield United in August last year for £15 million, after he made 21 Premier League appearances for Chris Wilder's side as they suffered relegation.
The club had been tracking Osula for three years after a recommendation from assistant manager Jason Tindall.
"He's a player I've known since JT's [Jason Tindall's] time at Sheffield United," said manager Eddie Howe. "We've been tracking him for three years and he excites us. He has all the raw ingredients to become a great centre-forward."
Advert
But a year later and Howe was honest when discussing Osula's future. “I think anything is possible for Will,” he said last week. “I wouldn’t want to put any kind of restriction onto how he’s viewed.
“We will view him and judge him every day, like we do. He’s made great strides in a year.
“Sometimes, when you’re watching someone every day, and you’re so ingrained in their development, you can forget to see the giant leap that he’s made. I think his game is in a much better place.
“I think there’s more growth to come, naturally for someone so young. But he’s got ability and he’s got a talent, and he does score goals.
Advert
“He’s scored goals regularly in training, and he is quick and he is strong. He’s got all the attributes, and there will be a time where he has to play regularly to go to the next step, and he’s probably in that moment now.”
“Regular football will be something he needs for his own career at some stage,” Howe added. “But whether that’s now or in the future, who knows?”
William Osula made 15 appearances across all competitions last season, with most of them coming from the bench.