Former Sheffield United forward was unused sub once again despite club suffering multiple injuries | OneFootball

Since Newcastle United signed Will Osula from Sheffield United for a reported fee rising to £15 million, the young Danish international has been an unused substitute in all five competitive games.

When Alexander Isak was forced off with an injury at half-time against Wolves, it seemed like the ideal time to introduce Osula to the fold, instead, Eddie Howe chose to bring on Harvey Barnes and move Anthony Gordon into a central role. This clearly indicates where the Magpies’ coaching staff think Osula is at the moment: he is not ready to be an impact substitute in the Premier League.

With Callum Wilson out injured with a lingering back issue, it seems Osula is simply named on the bench just to make up the numbers rather than being a viable option.

During a Q&A session on The Athletic, journalist Chris Waugh addressed a fan’s question about the development of Newcastle United forward Osula. Waugh highlighted how manager Eddie Howe’s decision to move Anthony Gordon into a central role during the 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, after Alexander Isak’s injury, provided insight into Osula’s current standing within the squad.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Will Osula of Sheffield United takes a shot at goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on March 04, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Will Osula yet to play a single minute of competitive football for Newcastle since signing from Sheffield United

Osula, who was signed from Sheffield United in the summer, is considered a “project player” by the club, indicating that he is seen as a future prospect rather than an immediate first-team option.

“Howe’s decision to move Anthony Gordon into a more central position once he was forced to withdraw Alexander Isak due to injury during the 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers was informative of where he believes Osula is at in his development.

“The 21-year-old was signed from Sheffield United in the summer as very much a ‘project player’, a term that has been used inside the club more generally when discussing prospects for the future, and Newcastle believe he has the characteristics to be a very good Premier League player. He is 6ft 4, pacy and able to play across the front line,” Waugh added.

Opinion: Including loan-back for Osula would’ve been best for all parties

While getting the reported £10 million fee, rising to £15 million, for Osula was great for the Blades because it meant they didn’t have to sell any of their key players in the summer, you can’t help but wonder why United didn’t request a loan-back for at least the first half of the season.

Newcastle evidently don’t need Osula, even with injuries to their forwards, while the Blades are light at the top of the pitch: Kieffer Moore and Rhian Brewster are the only options as Tyrese Campbell continues to work on his fitness. An injury to both strikers would likely force Campbell, who is not 100% fit, into a start, and he has had injury troubles himself over the last few seasons.