Newcastle United were in the market for a new striker over the summer and eventually landed a deal for William Osula.
The 21-year-old joined Newcastle United for £15m in the summer from Sheffield United to strengthen the striker department.
However, it seemed earlier in the window that Newcastle may have splashed the cash on a more senior striker with Callum Wilson linked with a move away.
Callum Wilson ended up staying at St James’ Park for the 2024/25 season, and Osula joined as a young understudy rather than as his replacement.
Newcastle had been linked with a £40m move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin but pulled out of the move, likely due to concerns over Profit and Sustainability Rules.
However, fresh reports suggest Dominic Calvert-Lewin could soon be available for free.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin contract update
Calvert-Lewin emerged as a top target early in the summer window, but Newcastle were only willing to pay £25m – well short of Everton’s asking price.
Newcastle decided to walk away from the deal, and their patience may be rewarded if Calvert-Lewin cannot agree terms on a new contract.
The 27-year-old has entered the final year of his deal at Goodison Park and will become a free agent next summer if another contract is not agreed.
According to CaughtOffside, Calvert-Lewin’s contract talks are not expected to be a topic of discussion at all imminently.
The report adds that Newcastle are still monitoring Calvert-Lewin and his contract situation.
Everton’s financial problems may force them to balance their wage bill and allow Calvert-Lewin to leave for free next summer.
Newcastle still need a Callum Wilson replacement
Osula looks like a promising young talent, but he is still raw and will need time to develop.
Isak is undoubtedly the first-choice striker at St James’ Park, but Newcastle will need a back up option to help rotate the side and offer something different up top.
Wilson has done that superbly in recent seasons, but his ongoing injury issues have often left Newcastle short. Calvert-Lewin by no means has a squeaky-clean injury record, but he is more reliable – and younger – than Wilson.
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Calvert-Lewin would offer something different for Newcastle. He is more of a target man and his physicality would give Newcastle a plan B if needed.
A £40m deal in the summer would have been ridiculous, but as a free agent it would be a silly opportunity to pass up.
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