Aston Villa are once again being linked with Newcastle United, this time with reports suggesting they are keeping a close eye on striker Will Osula, a move that some see as a subtle attempt to strike back after previous dealings between the two clubs.
Osula’s situation at St James’ Park has become one of quiet intrigue, especially after a season that promised much early on before being disrupted by injury.
The Danish forward joined Newcastle in 2023 for £15 million as a long-term project rather than a finished product. From the beginning, he was viewed as a raw but exciting talent, blessed with physical strength, pace, and a willingness to take risks.
His game has never been polished, and there have been moments where his decision-making looked rushed, but there were also clear signs that he was beginning to understand what was required at Premier League level.
Before his ankle injury, Osula had started to show real progress. He found the net against Liverpool in a moment that boosted his confidence and underlined his potential on a big stage. Not long after that, he played a crucial role in Newcastle’s dramatic 2-1 win over Fulham, creating the decisive late goal with a burst of energy and composure.
Those flashes suggested a player learning to harness his ability rather than simply relying on instinct. Unfortunately, his momentum was halted in November during the 3-1 defeat to West Ham United, after which he has not featured due to that ankle problem.
Osula’s name was already familiar in transfer circles long before his injury. Last summer, he was close to leaving Newcastle in a dramatic deadline-day saga. Eintracht Frankfurt were pushing hard to take him to the Bundesliga, and it is understood that a deal worth around £30 million was nearly agreed.
Newcastle were open to the move as the final hours of the window unfolded, especially with major changes happening elsewhere in the squad. Alexander Isak was on the move, while Yoane Wissa arrived from Brentford, creating a frantic and tense situation behind the scenes.
However, the proposed transfer collapsed at the last moment. Frankfurt attempted to alter key terms of the agreement late in the process, something Newcastle’s owners were not willing to accept. With concerns also growing about whether Wissa’s paperwork would be completed before the deadline, the club decided to pull the plug.
Osula stayed, but his role remained limited, and he has started just one Premier League game all season.
Now, interest is beginning to build again. Frankfurt are still thought to admire the player, but Aston Villa have emerged as another potential suitor. Reports suggest Villa have been monitoring Osula’s situation closely, even if they have yet to make a formal approach.
Their interest is not entirely surprising. Newcastle and Villa have enjoyed a cooperative relationship in recent times, most notably with Jacob Ramsey’s move helping ease financial and squad-planning pressures between the two clubs.
Because of that history, some Newcastle supporters see Villa’s interest in Osula as more than routine scouting. There is a sense that Villa could view a move for the striker as a way to gain a small edge over the Magpies, particularly if they can secure him for a fee that reflects his potential rather than his current lack of game time.
For Villa, Osula would represent a young, powerful forward who could be developed further without the immediate pressure he faces at a club chasing European places.
Despite the growing speculation, Eddie Howe has been keen to calm the noise around Osula’s future. Speaking recently, the Newcastle head coach made it clear that there is no expectation for the striker to leave in the near future.
Howe stressed that the only scenario in which a move would be considered is one that genuinely benefits the player’s development and long-term career. From the club’s perspective, Osula is still viewed as an asset with room to grow rather than someone they are eager to move on.
For now, much depends on Osula’s recovery and what happens once he is fully fit again. His early-season performances showed that he can influence games at the highest level, even if consistency remains a challenge.
Whether Aston Villa turn their interest into action, or Newcastle decide his future is best served elsewhere, one thing is clear. Will Osula’s story is far from finished, and the next chapter could have a significant impact on both clubs involved.
