Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur - Eddie Howe pre-match press conference review
Will Osula came very close to leaving Newcastle United on summer transfer deadline day.
Following the arrivals of strikers Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa for a combined £124million, Osula was permitted to leave and a £30million transfer, including a buy-back clause, was close to being agreed with Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.
However, Frankfurt then attempted to change the terms of the deal to a season-long loan with an option to buy, which led to a breakdown in negotiations.
And that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Just over a week later, Wissa sustained a knee injury on international duty with DR Congo and has been sidelined ever since.
Osula has appeared in all nine of the Magpies’ Premier League matches this campaign, including eight as a substitute. On Saturday, it was the 22-year-old’s introduction that helped United to a late 2-1 win over Fulham at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe on Will Osula and him almost leaving Newcastle United
Reflecting on a dramatic deadline day and Osula’s development since joining from Sheffield United last year, Howe said: “It was quite close for him that he could have left, in a variety of ways, whether that was a loan, which was always our preference because I think from our view, we wanted Will to play.
“We wanted him to continue his development, which he did brilliantly last year, because I think he committed to a path of limited game time, but big training time.
“A lot of work with Graeme Jones, a lot of reviewing his performances, then a lot of putting work into action. And the next step for me was for him to try and play regularly. So that was the aim, and especially with us bringing two strikers in, the thought was that he could continue that development best on the football pitch.
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“Obviously, it didn't happen, and much to our relief, it didn't happen because obviously, Yoane picked up an injury. And Will's vitally important. We believe in his talents.
“He's got speed. I think you could see that when he came on the pitch the other day. I mean, he's quick, he's athletic, but also I think what he's added is, just through the continued attitude he's had to his training, a lot now of better know-how in terms of how to manage game situations.
“He's benefited from that, and he's coming on the pitch looking like the complete package.”
Newcastle United striker Will Osula nursing ankle injury
All of that has come despite Osula nursing an injury of his own.
Howe continued: “I think every time he's come on the pitch this season, invariably he's performed, and I think that's given them further belief for the next appearance.
“As I said, he's nursing an ankle injury, which again, I think he's showing real maturity. I don't know if he could have necessarily done it in the way that he's managed it this season, last year.
“He's limited training time. Little things, though they are a big things, he's not finishing at the moment in training because his ankle's too sore, so, we're having to navigate through that while keeping him available, because that's his big wish, is to continue to help the team.”
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