Could still leave: Sky Sports journalist now says 22yr old could still leave Newcastle before deadline day
The final days of the transfer window have created an increasingly urgent situation for Newcastle United as they work to address a growing crisis in their attacking options.
The club finds itself in the difficult position of having only one recognized striker available for selection, with their primary attacking threat currently unavailable due to his desire to pursue a transfer elsewhere.
Will Osula represents the sole natural center-forward option at manager Eddie Howe’s disposal following Alexander Isak’s decision to remove himself from contention as he seeks a move to Liverpool.
This shortage of options has forced Howe to deploy Anthony Gordon in an unfamiliar central role, a tactical adjustment that has yet to yield the desired results beyond a single penalty conversion.
Against this backdrop of limited attacking resources, recent reports from Germany have introduced an additional layer of complexity to Newcastle’s planning
Respected journalist Florian Plettenberg has suggested that Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are monitoring Osula’s situation and could potentially make a move for the 22-year-old before the transfer deadline.
This development presents Newcastle with a challenging decision that must be carefully considered within their broader strategic context. On one hand, Osula remains a developing player who has yet to fully establish himself at the Premier League level.
His opportunities have been limited, and the chance to join a club of Leverkusen’s stature might represent an attractive progression in his career.
However, the practical realities of Newcastle’s current situation make any potential departure seem highly improbable. The club is already operating with minimal striking options following Callum Wilson’s departure and Isak’s unavailability.
Allowing another forward to leave would exacerbate an already critical shortage, potentially leaving Howe with no specialized strikers should injuries or suspensions occur.
The financial aspects of any potential deal would also need careful evaluation. While a transfer fee might provide additional resources for Newcastle’s own recruitment efforts, the value obtained would need to justify further depleting their attacking depth during an already challenging period.
The timing of such a move would be particularly questionable given the limited window remaining to secure replacements.
From a squad planning perspective, retaining Osula appears to represent the most logical course of action.
Even if Newcastle successfully secure one or two new strikers before the deadline, maintaining depth and competition for places remains important throughout a demanding Premier League season.
Osula’s familiarity with the club’s system and his potential for development under Howe’s guidance add further value to his continued presence within the squad.
The coming days will ultimately reveal how Newcastle choose to navigate this situation. The club’s recruitment team must balance multiple considerations immediate needs, long-term planning, financial implications, and strategic development in determining the best course of action.
While external interest in their players often represents validation of their development work, the timing and circumstances surrounding this particular situation suggest that maintaining stability might outweigh potential benefits from any transfer.
As the deadline approaches, Newcastle’s priorities remain clear: strengthen the attacking options while maintaining sufficient depth to compete effectively across multiple competitions.
How they manage this balancing act will significantly influence their prospects for the season ahead and demonstrate their ability to handle complex situations under pressure.