William Osula has been linked with a move to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen this summer, but a new transfer update means he is now likely to stay at Newcastle United.
With everything that has happened with Alexander Isak in the summer transfer window, losing another striker will surely be the last thing on Eddie Howe’s agenda.
Newcastle United are hoping to sign at least one striker before the transfer window closes on September 1, but their options are slim in what has been a cruel market.
Players like Benjamin Sesko, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike have all turned down moves to Newcastle, favouring other clubs in the Premier League. Those transfer calls have left the Magpies without a top-quality striker who is willing to play for them this season.
On Saturday evening, news broke that William Osula was of interest to Bayer Leverkusen, with Erik ten Hag looking to add more attacking options to his squad. However, a new transfer development means that the 22-year-old is now more likely to stay on Tyneside this season.
William Osula challenges for the ball during a Premier League game between Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Victor Boniface’s Bayer Leverkusen exit is on the brink of collapse amid William Osula links
Some Newcastle fans think Osula would benefit from a loan move, while others think now is not the time to be losing a striker.
It is clear that Osula wants more game time, despite being given a chance to impress during Newcastle’s pre-season games, but the feeling is that Howe does not completely trust Osula to be leading the line in the Premier League.
The Dane failed to make a single Premier League start last season, and was named on the bench for the Magpies’ season opener against Aston Villa last week. While Leverkusen are interested in Osula as a replacement for Boniface, it appears that the latter’s move to AC Milan is in jeopardy.
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Fabrizio Romano has stated that Boniface has returned to Germany after a medical with Milan, but the deal is yet to be given the go-ahead.
🚨⚠️ After medical tests at AC Milan, Victor Boniface returns to Germany as there’s still no green light to his move.
After 48 hours in Milano, Boniface will be back in Leverkusen today waiting for AC Milan imminent decision on his medical tests/checks made over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/84YoXNPrSa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2025
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Concerns over Boniface’s recent knee problems appear to be the issue, which sees the deal on the brink of collapse.
Newcastle United must not let William Osula leave
While he may have to wait for his chance at Newcastle, it is clear that Osula is a strong backup option for Howe.
He is fit and ready to impress, but he just needs that one opportunity to start in the Premier League and show what he can do. Pre-season was not the best reflection of how he can perform, but there is definitely a player in there.
A loan move would be good for Osula, but it has to be on the right terms. Newcastle need at least one new striker before the transfer window closes, and there is still hope that Isak can stay past the deadline and be reintegrated into the starting XI soon.
The situation is not ideal for any party, but Newcastle should not make snap decisions which could derail their season. Newcastle’s best situation would be if a striker is signed in the coming days and Isak decides to stay, but at this point, none of them appear to be close.