William Osula’s playing time factoring in Newcastle’s plans

William Osula’s future at Newcastle United appears increasingly uncertain as the club intensifies its search for new attacking reinforcements.

While Eddie Howe continues to reshape the squad ahead of a demanding season filled with domestic and European commitments, Osula, one of the club’s most promising young forwards, finds himself on the fringes of the first-team picture.

His limited involvement last season has left him craving opportunities, but the club’s current transfer strategy suggests his role may become even more marginal.

Osula, who made the move from Sheffield United, clocked just 124 minutes of Premier League action during the previous campaign.

Despite his relatively low playing time, the 21-year-old remains ambitious and vocal about his desire to break into the starting eleven. His performances at international level, particularly with Denmark’s Under-21 side, have strengthened his case, with many praising his sharp movement, pace, and potential to influence matches when given a run of games.

Speaking after the season’s conclusion, Osula made his intentions clear, stating that consistent playing time is all he needs to showcase his ability. His message was echoed by Denmark U21 coach Steffen Højer, who urged Newcastle to consider integrating the forward more regularly into the matchday squad.

However, with Newcastle linked heavily to a number of attacking targets, Osula may soon find himself slipping further down the pecking order.

The club’s failure to land Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro was seen as a significant setback, but efforts to strengthen the right flank continue, with Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga now emerging as the primary target.

Interestingly, Osula and Elanga have spent part of the summer together, and while their close friendship might suggest a degree of chemistry that could benefit Newcastle, Elanga’s arrival could also further limit Osula’s minutes, especially if he becomes an immediate starter alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

The expected departure of Callum Wilson creates a theoretical vacancy in the striker department, but Osula is still not viewed by Howe and his staff as the natural second-choice behind Isak.

Instead, he’s considered a long-term project—someone whose potential is acknowledged, but who still needs refinement and consistent competitive minutes before truly challenging for a starting role.

With that in mind, Newcastle may opt to secure a more experienced backup forward during the transfer window, a move that would push Osula even further down the attacking hierarchy.

A loan move, therefore, appears to be one of the more realistic outcomes. Such a decision could serve both parties well: Osula would gain valuable experience and game time, while Newcastle could monitor his development closely.

Yet, the final decision hinges on squad depth and the number of additions Newcastle make before the window closes. Given the club’s return to the Champions League and participation in multiple competitions, Howe may prefer to keep Osula around as a rotational option rather than risk leaving himself short in a grueling campaign.

What complicates matters further is Osula’s own sense of urgency. As a young player entering a critical stage in his development, sitting on the bench or being limited to late substitute appearances may no longer suffice.

If new attacking signings arrive—particularly in his position—and his pathway to the first team becomes even more restricted, Osula may actively seek a temporary exit, either through a domestic loan or potentially abroad.

Despite these uncertainties, Howe has yet to rule out Osula’s involvement in the upcoming season. While not expected to lead the line or take on a central role just yet, the forward could still be a useful asset in cup fixtures and off-the-bench roles, especially during congested stretches of the campaign.

His versatility and work ethic remain valued internally, and if he continues to impress during training and preseason, he may still carve out opportunities.

Ultimately, the next few weeks will be critical for Osula. His fate rests not just on his own performances but also on the club’s activity in the transfer market.

Should Newcastle succeed in bringing in attacking reinforcements, a loan could offer him the platform he needs to grow. But if the Magpies fall short in their recruitment goals, Osula could find himself thrust into a more prominent role sooner than expected.

Either way, his development remains one to watch closely as Newcastle balances long-term planning with the immediate demands of top-level football.