Sources: Newcastle plot move to sign new striker as ‘big’ January exit on cards
Newcastle United are considering a move to sign a new striker in the January transfer window and could facilitate an exit for Will Osula.
The big-money arrivals of both Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa during the summer had negated the need for further additions, but their hand could be forced.
Football Insider revealed on 26 October that Wissa’s fitness is a priority for Newcastle ahead of the addition of a new striker following his arrival from Brentford.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, concerns about Wissa’s ongoing injury issues have forced the Magpies to consider their options to strengthen up front in the transfer market.
Alexander Isak’s dramatic move to Liverpool left Eddie Howe scrambling for options to add to his squad, and while two new additions arrived, they are not finished yet.
Newcastle could sign new striker amid Yoane Wissa concerns
Despite not having yet featured for Newcastle, Wissa expects to go to AFCON with the DR Congo if his recovery goes as planned in the coming weeks.
That will mean Howe could be without his striker between 21 December and 18 January should they go all the way, and could accelerate their move for an additional forward.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, I think obviously at Newcastle there’s been a lot of talk about their squad and is it strong enough?
“I also think obviously with lot of talk about strikers with the whole situation with Alexander Isak leaving so late in the window.
“They’re till waiting to get Yoane Wissa fully fit and I think that’ll be a priority to get him fit, but if a big player was to leave, then maybe.
“There’s been talk that Osula could leave but I don’t think Newcastle would let him leave without bringing in a replacement as well. If they do get somebody in, they could let him go.
“I would expect at Newcastle they do have money to spend in January that they could be active in the window if they need to add to their squad.”
Will Osula exit could be forced with new striker deal
Football Insider revealed in September that Osula could be allowed to leave Newcastle in the mid-season window after he failed to secure a summer exit.
Osula became a target for Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt in the closing hours of the window, but Newcastle and the Bundesliga side weren’t able to agree terms.
However, the Denmark international has made 14 appearances so far this season and forced himself into contention as part of Howe’s squad.
In Wissa’s absence, Osula has been afforded more playing time than expected, but when the new striker is finally fit to make his St James’ Park bow, the situation could change.
If the Magpies are also able to sign a new striker in the January window, Osula will be pushed further down the pecking order, and his exit could be pushed through.
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