Back in the 2023/24 Champions League campaign, what arguably crippled Newcastle United’s hopes of progressing, besides being in the proverbial group of death, was a lack of options.
Depth issues in attack forced Eddie Howe to call upon Callum Wilson, Joelinton and Tino Livramento as his front three in the 2-0 loss away to eventual finalists Borussia Dortmund.
So, ahead of next season and the return to the UCL, the club will be hoping to pose a much greater threat to their opponents, something which is bolstered by the incoming signing of Anthony Elanga.
But one attacking plan Howe may have had in mind ahead of the upcoming campaign could be about to change, with a surprise loan move potentially on the cards.
Back-up striker Will Osula, fresh off a great U-21 EUROs with Denmark, could yet go out on loan next season, according to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie.
The North East reporter reveals that “there is a chance” Osula will go out on loan if the club signs another forward to play either as back-up or alongside Alexander Isak, with this believed to be our next “priority” now Elanga is done.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Downie said: “Once Elanga is in and done, the priority will be to get another striker to compete with Isak.”
“Yes Will Osula is there, but I think there’s a chance there that he may go out on loan at the start of the season.”
It was reported in late May by The Mail’s Craig Hope that Osula was set to STAY for the 2025/26 season after impressing Eddie Howe behind the scenes, but Downie’s comments suggests a loan is still possible for the young Dane.
Still very raw, but brimming with potential, Osula does need some regular minutes this season if we want him to make that step up.
It’s a tricky one. Some back the 21-year-old to get far more opportunities under Howe next season now we are set to be competing on four fronts next season.
However, if we have Isak and a new striker ahead of him in the pecking order up top, along with wide options of Gordon, Barnes, Elanga and Murphy, he may be restricted to far more short cameos and few starts?
Let’s see how the window pans out. Staying would see him become even more accustomed to our style of play, help close friend Elanga settle and give us another wildcard option to use; either from the start in the cups or off the bench.
But the potential to play week in week out at the top of the Championship, for example, may be even better for his development should another striker sign to push him down the current pecking order.
The unseen Bruno Guimaraes moment after Will Osula scored his first Newcastle United goal