Newcastle United have officially signed Will Osula, with the Magpies finally bringing in a striker.
It has been clear for a long time that Alexander Isak needs more cover at Newcastle United, especially with Callum Wilson struggling to stay fit.
Now Newcastle United have acted, and have identified a 21-year-old from Denmark as the player the player to sign.
Newcastle have been expected to complete a deal for Osula for a while now, with the forward costing initial £10million. The transfer will also include £5million worth of potential add-ons.
In total, the Danish striker could end up costing the Magpies £15million, with Paul Mitchell pushing for Newcastle to sign Osula.
The belief is that he has a lot of potential and can really develop under Eddie Howe.
But how good is Will Osula? Geordie Boot Boys spoke to Sheffield United expert and TBR Football writer Lee Connor to find out.
Sheffield United expert ‘surprised’ as Newcastle close in on £10m deal
Geordie Boot Boys: What is your immediate thoughts on Osula leaving to join Newcastle?
Lee Connor: I’m more surprised by the fee. One, because we don’t normally end up with a respectable fee for players we sell, and two, because he’s not done much to warrant it. I think it’s good business – as long as most of the money is allowed to be reinvested by Chris Wilder.
GBB: Obviously it was a tough season overall, but how did Osula get on in the Premier League last season?
LC: He did ‘ok’. He was very much thrust into things in all honesty because we were so poor and had so many injuries. But he gives it his all and that’s all that can be asked really. At times he looked like he could cause problems, while at times he looked like what he is, which is a young man learning his trade in the biggest league in the world.
Newcastle sign a ‘powerful’ striker and a ‘top athlete’
GBB: What kind of striker is Osula?
LC: He’s a big, powerful lad with all the attributes of a top athlete. That’s one of the things United fans noticed in the Premier League, how every squad is full of really good athletes, regardless of ability. He’s quick for his size, pretty confident when speaking to the media on his own ability, and if coached correctly could have a big future. Very raw right now, but I can see why a Premier League club might want him.
GBB: Does the £10million fee come as a surprise? Or is that a testament to how highly rated he is?
LC: It’s a surprise given we normally get done over a bit due to our owners mismanaging contracts. This one looks like we’ve got what we want. We lost Daniel Jebbison for nothing who is very similarly rated to Osula, so it looks like the club are learning here and cashing in while a good bid is on the table.
Osula can ‘catch the eye’ at St James’ Park
GBB: Is Osula going to be a big miss at Bramall Lane?
LC: I think he was going to play this season but I wouldn’t say a big miss. Time will tell I guess. It’s very much like when Calvert-Lewin left. He’d done nothing at United but over time proved a good signing for Everton.
GBB: How do you think he will get on at Newcastle?
LC: I’d be surprised if he plays much personally. I think Eddie Howe will enjoy working with him though and he’s very much someone you could develop and save money on in the future. Newcastle fans will take to him mind, he puts the effort in and wants to do well, so he’ll catch the eye if he does get a sniff.
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