William Osula is the only recognised senior striker who Newcastle United can turn to right now but it seems his future at the club is unclear.
While Sean Neave is also an option for Newcastle United, the youngster is even further behind Osula in terms of experience at the top level.
Still, Eddie Howe has overlooked the Danish U21 international. Indeed, the Newcastle United manager instead named Anthony Gordon as his striker against Aston Villa and that experiment looks set to continue against Liverpool on Monday night.
Alexander Isak, of course, is technically another option but is currently not involved amid speculation over his future.
Newcastle are desperately short up front, though a recent transfer update actually suggests Osula could be on his way out of St James’ Park.
Will Osula runs after the ball during Aston Villa vs Newcastle United.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen want to sign William Osula
According to German football expert Florian Plettenberg, Bayer Leverkusen are interested in Osula.
The German side are now managed by former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman replaced Xabi Alonso earlier this summer.
Plettenberg suggests that while nothing is advanced, Leverkusen have Osula on their radar.
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The former Sheffield United youngster is said to be “one to watch” before deadline day.
William #Osula is one to watch until Deadline Day.
The 22 y/o striker could still leave Newcastle in the coming days. There is also interest from the Bundesliga. Bayer 04 Leverkusen have him on their radar, but nothing is advanced yet.@SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/X2mSSV7rtV
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 23, 2025
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It’s hard to see why Newcastle would let a striker go when they’re struggling to sign one and the Isak impasse remains.
However, Howe arguably doesn’t trust Osula. If he did, perhaps we’d have seen him start for Newcastle at Villa Park.
Newcastle United statistics William Osula
Games 20
Starts 3
Minutes played 414
Goals 2
Assists 2
William Osula stats for Newcastle United
The 22-year-old did not start a Premier League game last season either and was handed only 413 minutes of action in total before getting around a minute of action against Villa.
Osula admits he wants more regular football after impressing in the U21 European Championships with Denmark.
That does not look likely at St James’ Park. Even when options are limited, Howe has still looked in another direction.