Newcastle United’s activity in last summer’s transfer window was minimal, with only two additions made to the first-team squad: Lloyd Kelly and Will Osula. Neither player had a major influence on the team’s performances over the course of the season.
Lloyd Kelly, formerly of Bournemouth, departed midway through the season. He was loaned to Italian giants Juventus in January and subsequently completed a permanent move, cutting short his time on Tyneside.
Will Osula, a young Danish striker signed from Sheffield United for around £15 million, has remained with the Magpies. Although he hasn’t had many opportunities to showcase his abilities in the senior squad, he’s managed to score twice — once with a thunderous effort in an FA Cup match against Bromley and again with a well-placed header in a Premier League clash with Ipswich Town.
There was early speculation that Osula might go out on loan next season in search of consistent game time to aid his development. However, journalist Craig Hope has reported in his Newcastle Confidential column for the Daily Mail that the club now plans to keep him. Newcastle’s coaching staff have been encouraged by Osula’s progress behind the scenes and are eager to see how he continues to grow within the first-team environment.
Osula is considered something of a wild card — his physical attributes, including power and pace, make him a dangerous and unpredictable forward. His vibrant and energetic personality has also caught attention. In videos released by the club, teammates have described him as full of energy, with Dan Burn jokingly saying he’d be the worst possible roommate due to his hyperactive nature.
- While some of his off-the-wall personality traits have led to comparisons with someone who might have ADHD, the focus remains on his footballing potential. Newcastle fans have taken a liking to Osula, and there is optimism that he can develop into the player that assistant manager Jason Tindall first saw promise in during his time at Sheffield United.
