Newcastle United appear to be edging closer to another important decision ahead of a busy January transfer window, with talks now underway to move on a player who was publicly praised by Eddie Howe earlier this season.
With fixtures piling up and pressure growing to reshape the squad, the club looks set for a period of careful but decisive transfer activity.
There has already been plenty of discussion around Newcastle’s need for greater depth, and that view has been echoed by former Magpies winger Chris Waddle. He believes Howe simply does not yet have enough quality options to compete on all fronts throughout a long season.
In his eyes, Newcastle need as many as six or seven additional top-level players before they can truly be consistent across league and cup competitions. It is a long-term process that requires patience, smart recruitment, and significant investment.
So far this season, Newcastle’s form has reflected those challenges. Sitting 11th in the Premier League, the Magpies have struggled to build momentum and have dropped valuable points in games they would have expected to manage better.
Draws and defeats against the likes of Chelsea, Sunderland, and Tottenham in December have highlighted ongoing issues with consistency, energy levels, and squad rotation.
The schedule is about to become even more demanding. With 11 matches scheduled before the end of January, Howe will be forced to rotate his players to manage fatigue and injuries.
That makes depth more important than ever, but it also means tough decisions must be made about who remains part of the plans moving forward.
One such decision appears to involve William Osula. According to reports from Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle are now in discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential deal for the Danish striker.
The proposal on the table would see Osula join the Bundesliga side on an initial loan, with an option to make the move permanent later on.
Osula is understood to be keen on the move and is waiting for the two clubs to reach an agreement. His openness to the transfer suggests the deal has a realistic chance of going through if terms can be finalised.
While nothing is confirmed yet, the talks point towards Newcastle being willing to let the forward leave if the right opportunity arises.
This development may surprise some supporters, especially given the praise Osula received from Howe earlier in the campaign. The Newcastle boss previously described the young striker as the “complete package,” highlighting his pace, athleticism, and raw potential.
Howe has made it clear that the club believes in Osula’s talent and sees him as a player with strong physical attributes and room to grow.
Despite those qualities, opportunities have been limited. Osula has had moments to remember, including goals against Liverpool and Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, which showed he can rise to big occasions.
He also found the net in the EFL Cup against Bradford City. However, those flashes have not been enough to secure him a regular place in the starting lineup.
Nick Woltemade has firmly established himself as the first-choice striker, making it difficult for Osula to break through consistently. On top of that, Yoane Wissa’s return from a long injury lay-off has further increased competition in attacking areas. With more options now available, Osula’s chances of regular minutes look slimmer than ever.
From Newcastle’s perspective, allowing the 22-year-old to leave could make sense. At £25,000 per week, he represents a manageable outgoing salary, and a loan move with a potential purchase option would reduce risk while opening the door for future reinvestment.
For Osula, a switch to Frankfurt could provide the regular game time he needs at this stage of his career, allowing him to develop away from the intense pressure of the Premier League.
While it may feel disappointing to part with a player who has shown promise and earned the manager’s trust, this could be one of those situations where timing matters more than sentiment.
Newcastle need to streamline their squad, balance their finances, and focus on players who can make an immediate impact during a demanding run of games.
If the move does go through, it may prove to be the right outcome for everyone involved. Osula would gain valuable experience in a competitive league, Frankfurt would add a young and athletic forward, and Newcastle would create space to strengthen elsewhere.
As January approaches, decisions like this will shape the direction of Howe’s squad for the rest of the season and beyond.
