William Osula in focus: Who is Newcastle United-bound centre forward amid £10m move from Sheffield United

Newcastle United are on the verge of announcing the surprise £10m purchase of striker William Osula from Sheffield United in a deal which also includes a further £5m in potential performance-related add-ons.

The slightly left-field move would mark Newcastle’s fifth addition of the window after the signings of defender Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth, Goalkeeper duo Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy from Nottingham Forest and Birmingham respectively, along with left back Lewis Hall’s from Chelsea after his loan deal became permanent.

It also follows on from the signings of development players such as 19-year-old defender Miodrag Pivas from Jedinstvo Ub and Irish prodigy Rory Finneran from Blackburn Rovers.

The acquisition of Osula was not one that many fans could see coming before the start of the summer window but what has attracted Newcastle to sign the Denmark U21 international and what qualities could be bring to St James’ Park next term? Here’s all you need to know.

Who is William Osula?

William Osula is a 21-year-old centre forward, who currently represents the Danish national team at U21 level.The 6ft 4in striker was born in Copenhagen and was brought to Sheffield United as a 15-year-old in 2018 after a string of impressive appearances for his local side.

The powerful attacker boasts an impressive record of 30 goals in 14 games at academy level between 2020 and 2024 and has been earmarked for his physicality, finishing and his ability to beat defenders with ease.

Former manager Paul Heckingbottom said earlier in his career: “If someone gets on the ball with the chance to play Will in, or play forward, Will’s body language is so aggressive. He comes alive, he’s alert.”

Osula has featured sporadically for the Blades first team for the last three seasons and has also enjoyed a steady six month loan spell at Derby County in League One during the 2022/23 season. Osula, who is also capable of playing on the left wing, has been lauded for his strength, sprint speed and incredible eye for goal, although so far he has struggled to translate the goalscoring numbers into the senior game with just eight goals across 55 appearances at first team level.

Last season Osula made 21 appearances for Sheffield United in the Premier league including nine starts and 12 appearances from the bench. He also managed to fire in a double against Gillingham in a 4-0 victory in the FA Cup and a consolation against Brighton in a 5-2 loss.

What can he bring to Newcastle?

William Osula will likely become Newcastle United’ third choice striker behind Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, meaning he is likely to fulfil a similar role to that of Chris Wood. He is a renowned for his exceptional workrate and could prove a useful option both in the league’s and cup competitions.

Eddie Howe is renowned for his ability to develop bright prospects and turn them into proven Premier League gems as he has so far proven with the likes of Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall. Osula, while not a statement signing at this stage of his career, could prove to be a bargain if Howe is able to harness his full potential.

He is understood to be a player that new sporting director Paul Mitchell has admired for a number of seasons and he is thought to have played a huge role in this move.