Eddie Howe has not got much wrong as Newcastle United manager since replacing Steve Bruce in the St James’ Park dugout.
He is now a Newcastle United legend, helping deliver the Magpies’ best season ever. Newcastle won the Carabao Cup, then followed that up with Champions League qualification.
Eddie Howe is quite rightly untouchable on Tyneside, but one of his late-season decisions suddenly looks even more baffling than it did at the time.
- Who is Eddie Howe? The heroic manager who finally brought a trophy back to Newcastle United
Eddie Howe was wrong to snub Will Osula
During the final few months of the season, the Newcastle United manager rarely turned to Will Osula. Callum Wilson was getting opportunities ahead of him, as Howe aimed to rest Alexander Isak when he could.
Unfortunately, Wilson failed to provide adequate cover. The 33-year-old ended the 2024/25 season with just one goal to his name, while fans were constantly frustrated by Osula being snubbed.
While the £10million youngster is clearly a player with a lot of potential, Howe’s decision suggested that he did not fully trust Osula just yet.
But given how much Wilson struggled and how well Osula is doing at the European Under-21 Championship, perhaps Howe made a mistake.
- Who is William Osula? Get to know the rapid Newcastle United striker who is quickly becoming a cult hero
Osula scored twice for Denmark Under-21s on Sunday, taking his tournament tally to three goals in two games. He has been on fire so far, showing hints of becoming the prolific goalscorer that Newcastle need him to be.
Fans wanted to see more of Osula last season, and the 21-year-old is very much proving why he is garnering so much hype among the Toon Army.
When does Callum Wilson’s Newcastle United contract expire?
As fans begin to question more and more why Wilson was playing ahead of Osula, a decision regarding the number nine’s future looms large.
His Newcastle United contract is due to expire on June 30th, but there is still a chance he could stay. Newcastle are in talks with Wilson over a new deal – an incentivised contract on reduced terms.
Newcastle’s Wilson decision has shocked supporters, but it remains to be seen if these negotiations will end with the striker remaining on Tyneside.
As it stands, he will become a free agent in two weeks.
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