‘William Osula fails Newcastle audition following Isak no-show’
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is no closer to finding a replacement for Alexander Isak following the Toon’s latest pre-season friendly.
Howe’s side returned to St James’ Park to face Espanyol following a clash with Celtic in Glasgow and a pre-season tour of Asia.
Their preparations for the new campaign have been overshadowed by striker Isak wanting to leave the club with Premier League champions Liverpool currently the most likely to sign the 25-year-old.
With Callum Wilson also departing this summer, Howe only has 21-year-old William Osula as a natural number nine to call upon.
Osula fails to impress on call up
Osula was given his opportunity to impress Howe and make a claim to be given greater game time this season amid Newcastle’s struggles to sign an Isak replacement.
The Toon look to have been beaten to the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko by rivals Manchester United, whilst Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro also opted against moves to the North East.
Following the friendly against Espanyol, Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy said Osula failed to take the audition handed to him as Isak once again did not partake in proceedings.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Matt Targett and Jacob Murphy on the scoresheet, whilst new loan goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale saved a penalty.
Howe’s striker search continues
Football Insider Verdict
Osula was always unlikely to be the answer up-front for Eddie Howe, but the youngster has not boosted his chance of gaining more first team minutes this season.
With a starting spot currently up for grabs at Aston Villa on the opening weekend, Osula could have given Howe a decision to make.
| Apperances | 19 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
Howe has started Anthony Gordon in the striker role in pre-season, amid his lack of options and the winger is now likely to lead the line at Villa Park.
There are options in the wide areas for Howe, but moving Gordon off the left flank may limited the 24 year olds impact on the match.
It is a more clear therefore after the Espanyol friendly that Howe is desperate for a striker, though he may either have to pay more than he wants or sign a player he doesn’t want to ensure a number nine is signed before the window slams shut.