William Osula was close to sealing a £30m move to Eintracht Frankfurt on deadline day, only for Newcastle United’s owners to pull the plug at the last moment. Weeks later, the Danish striker has turned the collapse into opportunity, emerging as Newcastle’s surprise top scorer after Yoane Wissa’s injury.
Newcastle United could have banked £30 million had William Osula completed his deadline day transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt. But when the Bundesliga side attempted to change the terms from a permanent deal to a loan with an option to buy, Newcastle’s majority owners – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – intervened and scrapped the move.
Despite Frankfurt offering a sizeable £6m loan fee, the Magpies felt the new structure tipped too far in the Germans’ favour. At the time, it looked like a missed windfall. Now, it looks like a stroke of luck.
Osula’s Rise After Wissa’s Injury
The collapse has proved timely for Eddie Howe. With Yoane Wissa sidelined through injury, Osula has stepped up in style. The 22-year-old has scored three times across competitions already, including a brace in the Carabao Cup win over Bradford, making him Newcastle’s top scorer so far this season.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for a player who only joined from Sheffield United last year and was expected to be a rotational option rather than a starter.
Howe’s Selection Dilemm
Osula’s form leaves Howe with a genuine decision ahead of the Arsenal clash. Does he reward the Dane’s purple patch with a start, or turn to club-record signing Nick Woltemade? Either way, Osula’s confidence is high, and he’s likely to play a key role against the Gunners.
What once looked like a lost opportunity on deadline day could end up defining Newcastle’s Premier League season.
