Nearly four years have passed since Eddie Howe stepped in to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle United, and what a transformation it has been.
Under Howe’s management, the club has gone from battling relegation fears to establishing itself as one of England’s most ambitious and competitive sides.
The Public Investment Fund’s decision to appoint Howe has proven to be one of the smartest moves in modern football, as the Magpies have not only become regular European contenders but have also lifted silverware along the way.
During his tenure, Howe has brought in some outstanding players through smart recruitment, but what’s even more impressive is his ability to revive the careers of players who were once struggling.
He has turned once-overlooked names into dependable stars, restoring confidence and bringing out their full potential.
Few examples demonstrate this better than Fabian Schär. The Swiss defender, once criticized as a “walking mistake” by journalist John Gibson, has since developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs.
Gibson himself later admitted that Schär had “eliminated” the errors from his game and transformed into a composed, commanding figure in defence.
His reading of the game, composure on the ball, and leadership have made him indispensable to Howe’s setup. Despite Newcastle’s heavy investment in new signings, Schär has remained a constant figure at the heart of the backline, showcasing both resilience and growth.
Another standout story is that of Joelinton. Signed from Hoffenheim in 2019 for a then club-record fee of £40 million, the Brazilian arrived with the weight of expectation on his shoulders.
He was meant to be Newcastle’s next great striker, but that dream quickly faded. His struggles in front of goal drew criticism and pressure, but Howe saw something different in him.
Instead of letting him fade away, Howe reinvented Joelinton as a powerhouse midfielder. In his new role, Joelinton has flourished strong in tackles, tireless in his work rate, and crucial in breaking up play while driving the team forward.
Joelinton’s transformation has become a blueprint for success at Newcastle a story of perseverance and reinvention.
His energy and physicality perfectly complement the skill and finesse of midfield partners Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali. Together, they form one of the Premier League’s most dynamic midfield units, capable of controlling games with both aggression and creativity.
Below is a quick look at Howe’s most-used players during his time at Newcastle:
| Rank | Player | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Guimarães | 163 |
| 2 | Fabian Schär | 160 |
| 3 | Dan Burn | 158 |
| 4 | Jacob Murphy | 144 |
| 5 | Joelinton | 138 |
This consistency and trust in his players reflect Howe’s ability to build a core group that understands his philosophy and thrives under his system.
But as one generation of stars cements its legacy, a new wave is beginning to emerge and among them, William Osula is starting to make his presence felt.
Osula, a young Danish forward signed from Sheffield United for £15 million in 2024, initially struggled to adapt to life at St James’ Park.
Last season, opportunities were limited, and his performances were inconsistent. He failed to start a single Premier League game and rarely made an impact off the bench.
Even former Newcastle defender John Anderson expressed disappointment with Osula’s early showings, particularly after a quiet display against Leicester City in April.
But football moves quickly, and Osula has shown remarkable progress this season. With three goals and one assist in nine appearances, he’s beginning to turn doubters into believers.
His determined display against Liverpool in August where he scored a key goal earned praise from both fans and pundits. Howe himself admitted that Osula had “done his chances no harm,” hinting at a growing role within the team.
Newcastle’s decision to reject a £30 million bid from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer now looks like a statement of faith in the 21-year-old.
Howe clearly sees potential in Osula, who might just follow a similar path to Joelinton by finding success in a new position. Recently, Osula has been deployed wider on the right flank, showing greater adaptability and tactical awareness qualities Howe values deeply.
With Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa ahead of him in the striker hierarchy, this positional shift could be the key to unlocking his long-term role in the squad.
His physicality, work ethic, and willingness to press opponents have already made him a “fan favourite,” as journalist Thomas Hammond noted.
Osula’s energy mirrors Joelinton’s early transformation a once-criticized forward turning into a vital team player through grit and evolution.
He still has a long way to go before reaching the same level of consistency as his Brazilian teammate, but Osula’s recent progress suggests that Newcastle’s faith is beginning to pay off.
The Magpies’ rejection of lucrative offers now seems justified, and just as Joelinton once defied expectations, Osula could become the next surprise success story under Eddie Howe.
If history repeats itself, Howe might once again turn a struggling young forward into one of the Premier League’s most admired midfield warriors a testament to his unmatched eye for talent, tactical brilliance, and ability to inspire belief in players others have written off.
