Newcastle United man bounces back from transfer 'turbulence' & Aston Villa U-turn
Will Osula almost left Newcastle United on summer transfer deadline day.
Will Osula has put himself to the ‘forefront’ of Eddie Howe’s thoughts after scoring a brace for Newcastle United in their 4-1 Carabao Cup third-round win over Bradford City.
Osula added a second goal less than two minutes after Joelinton broke the deadlock in the 17th minute. The Brazilian went on to make it 3-0 before Osula netted another shortly after boyhood Newcastle fan Andy Cook pulled one back for the visitors.
The young Dane is now the Magpies’ top scorer this season with three goals, having also scored in the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League last month.
NUFC boss Eddie Howe reflects on ‘turbulent’ transfer window for Will Osula
The 22-year-old joined Newcastle from Sheffield United for £15million in August 2024, but had to wait a whole year before making his Premier League debut at Leeds United away last month.
A few days after that, Osula came close to leaving the Magpies on deadline day. An offer from Aston Villa was accepted but they couldn’t proceed with the deal due to UEFA squad cost rules.
That left the door open for Eintracht Frankfurt. A loan with an obligation to buy was discussed and one stage appeared likely, however talks ultimately broke down.
Since then, Osula has come on as a substitute in the Premier League against Wolverhampton Wanderers and AFC Bournemouth before starting the match against Bradford on Wednesday evening.
“Yeah, he's progressing really well,” Howe said on Osula. “It was a slightly turbulent transfer window for him.
“I thought he took his goals really well today. I think he's been, slowly but surely, improving his game. I think you can see today it wasn't just the goals. It was link play, hold up play, pressing, understanding. All the things that, when you're at the top of the pitch, are fundamental to the team's performance, he has to deliver.
“I thought he delivered them all well. He's got the attributes to play wide as well. I'm pleased to see him go into that position and then score.”
Will Osula gives NUFC boss Eddie Howe food for thought
Howe admits Osula’s brace against the Bantams has given him food for thought going forward, especially with the squad lacking a second striker option to Nick Woltemade with Yoane Wissa currently injured and Anthony Gordon more effective on the left wing.
“Obviously, I think he's done himself no harm today,” Howe said, That will do him the world of good. Do him the world of good on so many different levels because as a goalscorer, a striker, you need to have that feeling.
“Today was an opportunity for him to grab and he did. That would be the same for any player. He puts himself very much in the forefront of my thoughts.
Howe added: “He's very driven. Will's got a great attitude to his work, a great attitude to his career. I think he's very ambitious. He wants to play, as all the players do.
“But I think he's now justifying that by his training performances and when he plays on the pitch. I think we've done a lot of work with him and we'll continue to do that with him for his benefit to try and get him to be the very best player that he can be.”