Newcastle United may already be edging closer to their first major piece of January business, with fresh claims suggesting William Osula’s future is heading away from St James’ Park.
According to reports from Sky Sport Germany, a potential transfer has moved beyond early talks, with the player himself said to be open to a move as he continues to battle a frustrating injury spell.
Osula has been sidelined for almost two months after picking up an ankle injury that has refused to settle. The timing has been cruel for the 22-year-old, who actually started the season in encouraging fashion.
He scored three goals across competitions and made a vital contribution in October by playing a part in Bruno Guimarães’ dramatic late winner against Fulham. Just as his confidence appeared to be growing, the ankle issue surfaced and slowly worsened.
Initially, Osula tried to push through the pain. Eddie Howe later confirmed that the striker had been playing while uncomfortable, highlighting the player’s commitment to the team.
He was even named on the bench for Newcastle’s Champions League clash with Athletic Club, only to withdraw from the squad shortly before kick-off when it became clear he was not fit enough to be involved. Since then, Osula has not featured at all, with the club taking a cautious approach to understand why his recovery has not progressed smoothly.
Howe admitted last month that the situation was far from straightforward. He explained that the injury was not improving in a straight line and that the club were not satisfied with how Osula was feeling. That uncertainty has only added to speculation about his future, especially with the January transfer window now open.
This is not the first time Osula has been linked with a move away from Newcastle. After joining from Sheffield United in 2024 for an initial fee of £10 million, his first season on Tyneside was a difficult one.
Despite staying largely fit, he failed to start a single Premier League match. The lack of game time led to serious interest last summer, with Aston Villa and Eintracht Frankfurt both keen to take him away.
A move to Villa was blocked due to UEFA financial regulations after previous dealings between the two clubs, including Jacob Ramsey’s switch to Newcastle. Frankfurt, however, looked set to land Osula, with a deal seemingly lined up before a late change of heart on deadline day caused the transfer to collapse.
Howe later revealed that Newcastle had actually preferred a loan move, believing Osula needed regular football to continue his development. When the deal fell through and Yoane Wissa subsequently picked up an injury, the club felt relieved to keep Osula, viewing him as an important squad player with clear potential.
Fast forward to now, and the picture looks very different. Wissa is back fit and has already returned to the starting lineup, scoring against Burnley earlier this week.
Even if Osula were to recover fully, his path to minutes looks more difficult than ever, with competition increasing and Newcastle still fighting on multiple fronts.
Reports from Germany suggest Frankfurt are ready to renew their interest. Bild claims Osula has already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal worth around £40,000 per week.
Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg adds that the structure of the deal would likely be a loan, with an option to buy included. Crucially, Osula is said to have agreed to the move, leaving Newcastle and Frankfurt to settle the final details between themselves.
Despite the noise from Germany, sources closer to Newcastle have been quick to cool expectations, insisting no deal is done and that the club have not yet committed to letting the striker leave this month. However, with Osula injured, short of minutes, and eager to play regularly, the situation feels finely balanced.
Whether this move materialises or not, it highlights the difficult reality for young players caught between promise and opportunity. For Osula, a fresh start could offer the game time he needs. For Newcastle, the decision will come down to squad depth, timing, and whether they believe his long-term future still lies on Tyneside.
