Newcastle United is facing a shortage of options up front, with the team failing to strengthen their frontline for quite some time. The last player to make a significant impact was Anthony Gordon, who took a few months to settle in after joining in January 2023. Harvey Barnes has shown potential but lacks consistency and is not a regular starter.
Manager Eddie Howe was interested in signing a new forward during the summer transfer window, but the deal fell through. With key strikers like Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson struggling for form and fitness, scoring goals has become a major challenge for the team. This situation has put summer signing William Osula in a unique position, as he has only played nine minutes in the Premier League so far.
Despite Osula’s limited playing time, Howe sees potential in the 21-year-old forward and believes he can follow a similar path to teammate Lewis Hall. Hall initially faced challenges with his defensive displays but has since become a regular starter this season. Howe emphasized the importance of patience and development for young players like Osula, highlighting the need for coaching and support to help them grow.
While Osula’s future at Newcastle looks promising, the club is reportedly planning to sign a right winger and an additional striker in January. This could potentially impact Osula’s playing time and place in the team hierarchy. However, Howe’s track record of player development gives hope that Osula can continue to progress and contribute to the team in the long run.
In the competitive world of professional football, young players like Osula often face challenges in establishing themselves in top-tier teams. It takes time, dedication, and support from coaches and teammates to help them reach their full potential. As Newcastle United looks to strengthen their squad, Osula’s journey will be one to watch, as he aims to make his mark and prove his worth in the team’s attacking lineup.