Newcastle United are reportedly in advanced negotiations to secure the services of Sheffield United’s promising young striker, Will Osula.
The deal, valued at an initial £10 million, also includes potential add-ons that could increase the total transfer fee by an additional £5 million, per Sky Sports, with a sell-on clause likely involved as well.
Will Osula: Rising talent in English football
Osula, 20, is a highly-rated forward within the English footballing pyramid. He has been turning heads with his impressive performances for the Blades’ development team.
The Danish-born striker, who has represented Denmark at youth levels, has shown considerable potential since breaking into the first team. Known for his pace, physicality and technical skills, Osula has become one of the most exciting young talents, however many have questioned his lack of clinical edge in front of goal for the senior team in the last 18 months.
The Danish youth international has netted twice for the Blades in this pre-season however.
Osula’s development at United has been closely watched by several Premier League clubs, but it appears that Newcastle are leading the race to sign the 20-year-old prodigy.
Osula has been featuring on the left wing in a 4-2-3-1 where he can cut inside on his right foot and unleash a curling effort, exactly like his goal against York City.
Sheffield United set to lose another promising forward
The Blades have already lost one promising striker this summer when Daniel Jebbison rejected a contract extension to join AFC Bournemouth on a free transfer, but United and the Cherries agreed on a £1.5 million compensation plus add-ons for developing the player.
Now, it looks like Osula will be the next talented player to leave the club.
The proposed transfer deal is structured with an initial payment of £10 million to Sheffield United. Additionally, the agreement includes performance-related add-ons that could see the total fee rise by £5 million. These add-ons are likely contingent on factors such as appearances, goals scored, and Newcastle’s success in domestic and possibly European competitions.
Although it is a blow to use a player with top potential, the money is much-needed right now with the Blades still light on bodies in a number of places. They still need a starting goalkeeper, a backup right-footed centre-back, and a couple of wide players. The right-back situation appears close to being sorted out with Ki-Jana Hoever set to arrive on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers this week.
United have been extremely interested in Plymouth Argyle shot-stopper Michael Cooper, but, they have been unwilling to meet their asking price of £3 million. Maybe with some additional funds coming in from the sale of Osula that will all change, with a week to go before the start of the Championship season.
