Newcastle could sign ‘devastating’ attacker as Champions League club ‘keen’ on William Osula

Eddie Howe could make some serious changes to Newcastle United’s strikeforce in the coming transfer windows.

Newcastle’s big-money signing of Nick Woltemade replaced Liverpool’s new boy Alexander Isak this summer, and he’s already made an instant impression.

Woltemade has hit the ground running at Newcastle with three goals in his first four Premier League appearances at St James’ Park.

The German has grabbed hold of the starting jersey in the absence of Yoane Wissa, who is currently out injured, with William Osula acting as a backup to the 23-year-old.

Football Insider revealed on October 11 that Eintracht Frankfurt want to sign Osula on loan in January with an obligation to buy, and now a fresh update has emerged.

William Osula looking focused
Credit: Imago

Newcastle should go for Elye Wahi as Eintracht Frankfurt ‘keen’ on William Osula

According to Florian Plettenberg on X, Frankfurt are ‘very keen’ to sign Osula in January after the 22-year-old came close to signing for the Bundesliga club on deadline day.

The Danish centre-forward has started just once in the Premier League this term – the 0-0 draw to Leeds United – and will find himself further down the pecking order once Wissa returns to full fitness.

Interestingly, Plettenberg has also revealed that the future of Frankfurt forward striker Elye Wahi is also ‘uncertain’, and although they want to keep their prized asset, they would be open to selling in January if a ‘top’ offer came in.

Wahi, who has been dubbed ‘devastating’ by the Bundesliga website, ranks in the top 6% of strikers across Europe for non-penalty xG per 90 and top 1% of assists.

The Frenchman is a clinical finisher and boasts a respectable record with 39 goals in 106 appearances as a centre-forward.

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Elye Wahi in action
Credit: Imago

Newcastle should use Osula as a bargaining chip to sign Wahi in January or next summer, once they’re in a stronger position to spend.

Wahi would be an upgrade on Osula

Osula has shown promise since joining for £15million from Sheffield United in 2024, but unfortunately, doesn’t boast the required skillset to truly challenge Woltemade.

Wahi, on the other hand, has the capabilities to rival the German and Wissa for a place in the side while offering Howe a quality third striker.

Stats per 90 past yearElye WahiPercentile vs strikers across Europe
Non-penalty xG0.66Top 6%
Assists 0.40Top 1%
Successful take-ons1.19Top 20%
Pass completion75.9%Top 16%
Progressive passes received6.73Top 17%
Progressive carries1.58Top 29%

As delineated by the above table, despite only scoring once in 19 appearances for Frankfurt, Wahi has held his own among some of Europe’s best strikers.

The 22-year-old once hit double figures for goals in back-to-back campaigns for Montpellier in 2021/22 and 2022/23, so perhaps a move to England could be the catalyst to reach those levels once more.