Newcastle United star reaches verbal agreement over January transfer - five-year deal agreed
Will Osula came close to leaving Newcastle United in the summer.
Newcastle United striker Will Osula has reportedly reached an agreement to join another club in January.
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The 22-year-old was close to leaving on summer deadline day after both Aston Villa and Eintracht Frankfurt approached the Magpies over a transfer.
After UEFA financial rules prevented Villa from doing a deal, Osula looked set to join Frankfurt for £30million but negotiations broke down when the Bundesliga club instead requested a season-long loan with an option to buy.
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Will Osula agrees personal terms with Eintracht Frankfurt
Eddie Howe described Osula’s failed move as a blessing in disguise after £55million summer signing Yoane Wissa picked up a knee injury just a week after joining from Brentford.
Osula battled an ankle injury to share the load with Nick Woltemade up top, however has since succumbed to that injury having missed the last seven matches.
With Wissa back fit, United could consider letting Osula go in January. Frankfurt retain a strong interest and according to German newspaper Bild have already agreed personal terms with the young Dane.
The reports that Osula has agreed a five-year contract with a salary package of around €2.5million (£2.1m).
Eddie Howe confirms Will Osula almost left Newcastle United in the summer
Reflecting on Osula almost leaving in the summer, Howe explained: “It was quite close for him that he could have left, in a variety of ways, whether that was a loan, which was always our preference because I think from our view, we wanted Will to play.
“We wanted him to continue his development, which he did brilliantly last year, because I think he committed to a path of limited game time, but big training time.
“A lot of work with Graeme Jones, a lot of reviewing his performances, then a lot of putting work into action. And the next step for me was for him to try and play regularly. So that was the aim, and especially with us bringing two strikers in, the thought was that he could continue that development best on the football pitch.
“Obviously, it didn't happen, and much to our relief, it didn't happen because obviously, Yoane picked up an injury. And Will's vitally important. We believe in his talents.
“He's got speed. I think you could see that when he came on the pitch the other day. I mean, he's quick, he's athletic, but also I think what he's added is, just through the continued attitude he's had to his training, a lot now of better know-how in terms of how to manage game situations.
“He's benefited from that, and he's coming on the pitch looking like the complete package.”
Newcastle United issue Will Osula injury update
What could impact a move in January is Osula’s current injury status. The striker is sidelined with an ankle injury with his return date currently uncertain.
Speaking last week, Howe said: “We need to have further discussions internally to see quite what's happening with his ankle because it's not going in a straight line. We're not quite happy with how he's feeling, so I'll try and give you some feedback when we get it.”