There are £135m reasons why William Osula can be a roaring Newcastle United success

Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon: the spearhead of Newcastle United’s attack.

Until a potent right-winger arrives, the duo will carry the goalscoring burden this season. Losing either - which looks unlikely despite perennial Gordon to Liverpool links - would devastate the Magpies.

While it may seem difficult to comprehend now, both players arrived with a tinge of doubt. Toon fans were famously divided on Gordon - possibly influenced by his on-field antics at St James’ Park just months earlier.

But the stats did not support his £40million price tag. Just 15 goal contributions from 78 games evoked mockery from rival fans - nobody is laughing now.

Ditto Isak, billed as one of Europe’s most promising strikers but he did not boast a ruthless track record. Just six La Liga goals had some questioning whether the Swede could dislodge Callum Wilson. An impressive 35 goals from 68 games later… does anyone still hold that view?

Throw in Lewis Hall, a mere novice who played just 12 times at senior level. Despite a difficult start, he now looks like the best young left-back in the country.

Newcastle bought potential - £135million worth of it for those three players - and have since reaped the rewards. And almost like clockwork, William Osula, the incoming forward from Sheffield United, faces similar doubts.

Eight career goals in 52 games does not scream Alan Shearer reborn. But context is needed - with the Blades rooted to the foot of the table last season.

Most of those appearances were as a substitute, further rubbishing the section of online naysayers. Perhaps the most important detail of all, however, is the man who will be nurturing his talent.

Eddie Howe does not care for stats. The training field - and how he can help a player reach his end goal - remains paramount.

Recruitment-wise, what matters more is a player’s profile and how he may fit into a system. The goals, assists and adulation come with the territory, once the intense and detailed training sessions have paid off.

Osula is set to arrive with a £10million price tag - which could rise to £15million. An unproven, raw prospect, he is not joining as the finished article.

But give him a chance, let Howe get stuck into the 20-year-old and mould him in his image. If he does that, many tweets may need to be deleted 18 months from now.