Newcastle United’s attack is in a fascinating period of transition and excitement. The summer saw the departure of a true superstar in Alexander Isak, but it also ushered in a new era with the arrival of not one, but two, exciting strikers.
While the focus has rightly been on record signing Nick Woltemade, an unexpected opportunity is arising for another young talent to make a serious claim for minutes.
The plan, undoubtedly, was for new signing Yoane Wissa to hit the ground running. The club invested £55 million to bring him in from Brentford, and for good reason.
His goal-scoring record in the Premier League speaks for itself, as he leaves the Bees as their all-time top scorer in the competition, a significant achievement.
Brentford’s All-Time Premier League Top Scorers
| # | Player | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yoane Wissa | 45 |
| 2 | Bryan Mbeumo | 42 |
| 3 | Ivan Toney | 36 |
| 4 | Kevin Schade | 13 |
| 5 | Christian Norgaard | 11 |
| Data via Transfermarkt |
Unfortunately, an injury picked up on international duty means fans will have to wait several weeks to see Wissa in action. While this is a setback, it has opened the door for others, and Nick Woltemade has already burst through it.
The German international, signed for a club-record £69 million from Stuttgart, made a dream debut by scoring the winning goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He displayed exactly why the club was so keen to sign him, showing not just his obvious aerial presence at 6’6″, but also a surprising agility and work rate on the ground, contributing significantly to the team’s overall play.
The question now is one of consistency. Can Woltemade maintain this level and fill the void left by Isak?
Every top striker needs competition to keep them sharp, and with Wissa sidelined, that internal challenge was supposed to be on hold. However, another player is beginning to emerge who looks ready to provide exactly that.
That player is William Osula. Until recently, the 22-year-old had only shown flashes of his potential in a black and white shirt. But a turning point seems to have arrived.
In the thrilling match against Liverpool last month, Osula came off the bench and made a massive impact. His performance was full of energy, power, and a clear instinct for goal, which he demonstrated by scoring a crucial late goal.
Manager Eddie Howe was quick to praise his “outstanding” progress, signaling a new level of trust in the young forward.
Osula possesses a unique and exciting profile. He is a rangy, powerfully built striker with a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
His style has even drawn comparisons from those who have played with him; former teammate Curtis Davies once humorously called him “a poor man’s Haaland.”
While Erling Haaland is in a class of his own, the comparison highlights the raw attributes Osula brings: sheer physical power, directness, and a striker’s mentality.
What’s most exciting is his rapid development since joining from Sheffield United. He is beginning to look like a player who belongs at this level, demonstrating a skillset that demands attention.
While his overall senior appearance numbers for Newcastle are still relatively low, his output is already promising, with three goals and two assists to his name.
More importantly, he now has that first Premier League goal, a milestone that can do wonders for a young player’s confidence.
The stage is set for a compelling internal battle. Nick Woltemade has the starting jersey and has made a perfect start.
But waiting in the wings is not just the injured Yoane Wissa, but a hungry and improving William Osula. He has the physical tools, the growing confidence, and now the belief from his manager to push for more.
For Eddie Howe, having multiple in-form strikers competing for one spot is the best kind of problem to have. For Newcastle United, it means the goal-scoring future looks very bright indeed.
