William Osula of Newcastle United looks on during training ahead of their UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match against Qarabag FK at Newcastle United Training Centre on February 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
William Osula of Newcastle United looks on during training ahead of their UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match against Qarabag FK at Newcastle United Training Centre on February 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
NewcastleWorld readers give their thoughts on Will Osula’s future at Newcastle United.
Will Osula’s future at Newcastle United has been a talking point this week after he failed to grasp his opportunity against Qarabag on Tuesday night.
Osula led the line on his full Champions League debut as the Magpies followed up their 6-1 first-leg win in Azerbaijan with a 3-2 victory at St James’ Park to progress into the last 16 on aggregate 9-3.
The 22-year-old had a hand in the opening goal as his header was saved before Sandro Tonali poked home the follow-up. But overall, he didn’t catch the eye as keenly as perhaps some hoped.
It’s approaching two years since the 22-year-old joined Newcastle from Sheffield United for £15million and although there is acknowledgement that he is still young and up-and-coming, there are doubts among supporters that the forward can realise his full potential on Tyneside.
NewcastleWorld readers give their verdict on Will Osula’s future at Newcastle United
Osula almost left to join Eintracht Frankfurt last summer but a move fell through on deadline day. Heading into this summer, interest in the Dane is again expected.
So we asked our NewcastleWorld readers, what should Newcastle do with Osula’s future this summer? And the majority were in agreement over a summer exit, whether that be on loan or permanent.
Here are some of the comments:
Chris Moat: His pressing, chasing and energy levels are high but often wasted. He’s got good physicality and decent pace BUT he’s trying too hard at the minute, he’s often in the wrong place and the wrong time and he’s snatching at chances.
“He needs to relax, work on his confidence, and probably needs a period of regular football to build these areas up. He’ll come good but probably needs a move maybe loan to rebuild these areas.
Andrew Hurworth: I've been wanting the lad to get a chance for one reason: to see if he's any good... I'm beginning to think that he isn't.
Scott Johnson: Every time I’ve seen him start he’s done nothing. Every time I’ve seen him come on and went on the right, he’s looked lively. If he doesn’t get much better then it’s time to move him on.
David Cant: He is physically quick and committed, but I don’t believe he has that speed of thought of a top class striker. That killer instinct. He needs regular games for a season.
I would sell him on and put a sell-on clause in the deal. Wish him well but we can’t offer what he needs now. Tough love is required with the whole squad if we are to keep evolving.
Alan Longstaff: Had hope for him initially, thinking he just needed game time, he's got a few run outs recently, but after last night, against a team we put 5 past in the first half, he never got a look in, was a non entity, I forgot he was playing till he was subbed off. Hope there is still interest in the summer.
Lewis Courtney: Unfortunately, he didn’t take his chance the other night. The lad has ability no doubt, unfortunately will be away come the summer I think.
Ian Young: Simply not good enough for this level. Sell him with a buy-back clause, but I really can't see him either as a striker or winger at this level.
Rachel Miller: Does everything at a million miles an hour and it doesn’t work. He needs to go on loan or sell because he needs time to play every week until he learns a bit more.
Roger Doyle: Love his enthusiasm & effort, unfortunately that doesn't translate to quality. We desperately need to sign a rapid centre forward that's ready now & then for both his & our good sell him to the highest bidder.”
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