Newcastle United could be preparing to let one of their most promising young forwards move on, as interest from Eintracht Frankfurt in William Osula continues to build.
The Magpies spent much of the summer looking for a replacement for Hugo Ekitike, who eventually joined Liverpool, but they may now find that the striker they were so eager to hold onto could become the answer for another club.
Frankfurt have identified Osula as a potential successor to Ekitike, believing the 22-year-old has the talent and physical attributes to step into the void left by their departing forward.
Newcastle were initially reluctant to let Osula go, with loan negotiations breaking down over a potential obligation to buy. Eddie Howe has been vocal about his admiration for the striker, describing him as the “complete package” following a bright start to the season.
Osula has made 14 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals, including a Premier League strike ironically against Liverpool in a 3-2 defeat, the same match where Ekitike also found the net.
Despite these moments, the Denmark Under-21 international has only started once in the top flight and has been sidelined since early November due to an ankle injury, keeping him out of action for 16 games. He is expected to return next month, but by then, he could already be on the move to Germany.
European football expert Andy Brassell highlighted the longstanding interest from Frankfurt, explaining that the Bundesliga side had been monitoring Osula ever since selling Ekitike. “They were hoping to get it over the line on deadline day, and it didn’t quite happen,” Brassell told talkSPORT.
“Osula, at least partly due to injury, has not played much since. But when he has played for Newcastle, it has always felt as if he can contribute. You can see why Frankfurt would want him and believe he could make an impact for them as well.”
The financial incentive for Newcastle is significant. Brassell noted that the club stands to make a substantial profit on a player they acquired from Sheffield United for £10 million in 2024.
While there is always a risk in selling young talent, particularly one with Osula’s potential, the Magpies could benefit from reinvesting the funds into other areas of the squad.
Former coach Curtis Davies, who worked with Osula at Derby County, has described him as a player with “the talent to go all the way,” highlighting the striker’s pace, strength, and technical ability.
Howe had tracked Osula for three years before completing the transfer from Sheffield United, with assistant manager Jason Tindall also backing the signing after observing his performances under Paul Heckingbottom in 2021.
The manager’s initial relief at retaining the player after a turbulent summer window underscored how highly he values Osula. However, Frankfurt’s interest and the player’s injury layoff may shift Newcastle’s priorities, making a sale both attractive and practical.
Osula’s potential move to Frankfurt could be seen as a mutually beneficial arrangement. The Bundesliga side would gain a versatile striker capable of replacing Ekitike, while Newcastle would profit financially and potentially open a pathway for other players in their squad.
Brassell added that Frankfurt’s willingness to pay a significant fee reflects their belief in Osula’s ability to develop further and succeed in a demanding league. While Newcastle risk seeing the player flourish elsewhere, the immediate financial reward and squad management benefits make this a calculated decision.
Ultimately, Osula embodies both promise and risk. He has shown glimpses of the talent that Howe described as the “complete package,” combining physicality, skill, and intelligence on the ball. Yet his injury history and limited top-flight experience have tempered expectations.
Should he thrive at Frankfurt, it would validate the Bundesliga side’s vision and confirm that Newcastle made a financially prudent choice, even if it means losing a player with the potential to be a future star. For Newcastle, it is a balancing act between nurturing talent and capitalizing on opportunity a decision that could define part of their transfer strategy moving forward.
