Newcastle United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur - Jordan Cronin reacts
William Osula was the difference-maker in Newcastle United’s recent win over Fulham
The Magpies have won three, drawn three and lost three of their opening nine league matches. They’ve had some poor performances, including the 0-0 draw with Bournemouth, the 2-1 loss to Brighton and a similarly frustrating goalless draw against Leeds United.
They looked to be heading towards a similar outcome in their most recent outing against Fulham. The game was locked level at 1-1 - meaning the Magpies were in danger of dropping down to 15th in the league table, when in the 86th minute they took a gamble by replacing club-record signing Nick Woltemade with the mercurial young talent of William Osula.
It proved an inspired change and within seconds of the Denmark Under-21 international coming on he was relentlessly chasing down Fulham’s defence and causing havoc. In the words of Newcastle World reporter Jordan Cronin, Osula’s ‘energy and desire to press reignited the fire’ in the team.
He may have been on the pitch for less than 10 minutes but Osula’s marauding run from the half way line, which saw him power past Fulham’s defenders before unleashing a shot at goal proved to be the match-winning moment as captain Bruno Guimaraes lashed home the rebound.
Remarkably all this happened while Osula was still nursing an ankle injury, with Eddie Howe lauding the former Sheffield United man for his impact and referring to him as looking increasingly like the ‘complete package’ in Black and White.
Eddie Howe was relieved to keep William Osula after strong Aston Villa interest
It was well documented throughout the summer that Newcastle United needed to sign a replacement for Alexander Isak if he was going to be allowed to leave to join Liverpool for £130m despite the breakdown in his relationship with the fans and his refusal to train with his teammates.
The Newcastle-based journalist says that UEFA’s spending rules complicated Villa’s pursuit of the striker, he explained on X: “Aston Villa had also agreed a deal for Will Osula but the move was complicated by Uefa spending rules. Frankfurt deal being discussed includes buy-back option for NUFC.”
The exact amount Aston Villa offered was never publicly disclosed but given the fact that Frankfurt soon after had a bid in the region of £30m accepted. It’s fair to assume that the offer would likely be somewhere in that region.
"Obviously, it didn't happen - and much to our relief it didn't because Yoane picked up an injury and Will is vitally important.”
William Osula has the potential to be an important player for Newcastle United
Since making the move from South Yorkshire, William Osula has had to be patient in adapting to the demands of playing for Newcastle United.
He made just 19 appearances across all competitions and didn’t start a single league match throughout the whole campaign, with almost all of his appearances being brief cameos.
Osula netted once in the Premier League with a well cushioned header against Ipswich Town but mainly caught the eye with his performance in cup competitions after scoring a long-range screamer against Bromley while making two assists against Birmingham City in the FA Cup.
He had a majorly impressive Under-21 campaign for Denmark in the European Championships, scoring three times and making two assists - and it was this form which really caught the eye of a few European clubs.
Osula has a long way to go but there are definitely signs that he’s getting closer to where he needs to be to compete for regular minutes. He scored against Liverpool during the club’s heartbreaking and perhaps unjust 3-2 defeat at St James’ Park - and also demonstrated his sensational pace and ability to terrorise defenders with runs on the shoulder in a comfortable 4-0 cup win over Bradford City.
The 22-year-old is growing in confidence at St James’ Park at a time when they’ve really needed him to as Nick Woltemade continues to settle in, and as Yoane Wissa continues to nurse a knee injury.
"He's always laughing and joking. He's popular in dressing room. He's certainly got very close friendships,” added Howe. "What's changed probably more this year than the last is he's very serious about his work. When it's work time, he puts on a different face and is very serious about his development and his game, which has been a positive, slight change."
Keeping Osula has been crucial to taking some of the workload off Woltemade as he continues to adapt, incredibly well it must be said, to his new surroundings. It could also be an inspired decision in the early part of 2026, with Wissa, who is expected to return in November, potentially jetting off with DR Congo to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Osula will want to succeed at St James’ Park and become a regular in the years to come. But even if he doesn’t in the short-term it’s definitely been very fortuitous to Newcastle that he’s stuck with them - and it’s certainly increased his valuation if he does depart in a future window.
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