‘Everybody wants…’ - Will Osula describes life at Newcastle United amid £50m price tag talk
Will Osula has scored five goals in his last six Premier League games since being given a chance to shine at Newcastle United.
Will Osula has described his first-team opportunity at Newcastle United as “the best feeling” as the season draws to a close.
In September, the Dane was within a whisker of leaving St James’ Park on deadline day. Eintracht Frankfurt had a deal all but agreed but attempted to tweak the terms - forcing Newcastle to pull the plug.
Osula - at that point a bit-part player on Tyneside - publicly called for more game time. He impressed at the under-21s Euros, scoring three goals in four games for Denmark.
“I just need playing time to show what I can do,” Osula said. “When playing time comes, everyone will see what I can do on the pitch.”
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The 22-year-old was restricted to cameo appearances before an ankle injury frustrated his chances further. However, since the derby defeat to Sunderland in March, Eddie Howe has given Osula a starring role.
That faith has been repaid with five goals in his last six Premier League games - including a brace against West Ham United on Sunday. Osula - who almost left for £35million last year - now has a far heftier price tag.
Will Osula price tag
Newcastle have no plans to sell Osula, with Howe placing him in “pole position” to lead the line next year. But player trading is key for the Magpies - every player has a price.
According to the i, Osula has top-flight suitors but would cost closer to the £60million mark. In essence, this is Toon chiefs robustly pinning a “not-for-sale” sign on the forward.
‘The best feeling’ - Will Osula
For now, Osula is enjoying his purple patch in front of goal and will aim to finish the campaign strongly at Fulham this weekend. He told the club website: "We've got our heads down in training and worked hard to make sure we finish the season strong.
“Everybody wants to do the best for the club. Everybody wants to play football and I thank God that I'm playing now. It's the best feeling, it's always nice to get on the scoresheet.”
Eddie Howe on Will Osula
Howe believes there is a genuine chance Osula could start next season up front. He said after the West Ham win: “I don’t think he could have done any more. When you look at what he’s done, the goal return that he’s given us, and not just the goal return, as well his work ethic and his attitude.
“Being a No.9 for Newcastle is incredibly difficult and there’s a lot of responsibility on that position. Of course, Newcastle have had some iconic number nines over the years, so I think it’s a great thing for a player to take on.
“But the responsibility is the big thing and he needs to continue to develop his game to do that over a longer period of time, but certainly he’s put himself probably in pole position to do it.”
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