Endless debate regarding Eddie Howe and the Newcastle United strikers.
Who is getting selected AND who isn’t getting a game.
Scoring in three of the last four Premier League matches, William Osula is currently in possession of the centre-forward role…
Eddie Howe talking about William Osula and his performance on Saturday against Brighton: “I think he is maturing nicely, I think it is difficult to come in and a lot of pressure, a lot of other players waiting for an opportunity, so he knows he has to perform. He took his goal really well against Crystal Palace, followed that up well against Bournemouth then he would probably back himself to score [when Jacob Murphy crossed the ball against Brighton] but he has still got to be in the right position. But more than that, I thought that for 60 minutes, his running ability, his power, his pace caused them real problems.”
Less than three weeks of the season left to go.
The Newcastle United owners having descended on Tyneside last week for a series of meetings with senior club staff.
As well as meetings with the likes of CEO David Hopkinson with major infrastructure projects (new stadium and training ground) understood to be top of the agenda in those talks, the Newcastle United owners also having met Eddie Howe.
A media exclusive on Sunday reported that their inside sources had told them that Eddie Howe still has the full backing of the Newcastle United owners and will remain in charge for next season.
A huge summer ahead then when it comes to player trading, in and out.
What is Eddie Howe’s position on William Osula?: “I would definitely like to keep him…I think Will’s a player of really rich promise and he was when we signed him. We signed him with the view of developing him to try and build him to become a Premier League player, because that certainly wasn’t the player that we recruited. There was a lot of work and time that has gone into his development. Graeme Jones and Jason Tindall have done an incredible job helping his development, analysing his game, feeding back to him, and Will has done really well to stay stable, level, and commit to that development and see the longer-term plan. Great to see, then, when he comes into the team and gets an opportunity that he grabs it. He is very hungry, he is very motivated, he believes in himself.”
William Osula has played 589 Premier League minutes this 2025/26 season so far and scored five goals in five starts (and 16 sub appearances).
In all competitions the Danish striker has played 1,031 minutes this season for Newcastle United, scoring seven goals and getting one assist.
Bought for only £10m (plus a possible £5m more in future add-ons) from Sheffield United in August 2024. William Osula was bought on the recommendation of Jason Tindall, who had spent some time years ago coaching with the Blades and had believed the then very young striker had raw potential.
The Newcastle United Head Coach has also been reflecting on Saturday and the Brighton match overall.
Eddie Howe: “Jacob Murphy is an excellent crosser of a football. He has created countless goals for us over the years. Will [William Osula] still had a bit to do and he did it well. Second goal, it’s great to see us back in form from set-pieces. It was always going to be difficult game, Brighton play very fluid, open, attractive football and we are not in that moment. We had to withstand a bit of pressure, ride our luck, but we were always a threat and scored a third. A couple of key saves from Nick [Pope], the one early in the game was massive because you don’t want to be chasing the game against them with their style.”
It has been a tough watch recently with four Premier League matches in a row ending in defeat, all by a one goal margin.
Eddie Howe keen to talk about the Newcastle United fans as well: “The crowd were really good and I am delighted for them. They have witnessed everything in the last few weeks and have stayed with us and stayed loyal to the team. I thank them greatly. It has been a horrible feeling for us for a number of weeks. We have been looking to change our fortunes. The attitude of the lads during this difficult run has been outstanding. We stayed together, trained well, and we got our reward.”
The Newcastle United owners were at St James’ Park for the match, Eddie Howe saying: “It is always nice to win for and with them, they have always been really supportive. It was great they were here to see the lads give so much. We are together as a united football club. The feelings and emotions of trying to put it right, trying to find solutions and answers, get through to the players and connect with them in a different way…in difficult moments I try to focus on what is going to put it right, rather than anger and blame. I take the responsibility myself. It has been hard for my family because they see the intimate side of me behind closed doors. I haven’t been a bundle of joy the past few weeks, so I am pleased for them as well.”