- Eddie Howe’s Osula comments after Newcastle brace
- Why they signal trouble for Yoane Wissa
- How the club could handle striker situation this summer
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe spoke after the 3-1 win over West Ham about William Osula’s recent performances and what it may mean going forward.
Osula scored a brace in the victory to make it five goals in his last six games. The striker has surprisingly made himself the first choice this season after capitalising on the goalscoring struggles of the Magpies’ summer signings.
Howe’s comments will have been of particular concern for £50m signing Yoane Wissa. The 29-year-old has had a torrid time on Tyneside since his arrival and could well be sold in the coming window.
What Howe said about Osula
Speaking about Osula’s growing influence within the squad, Howe said, “He’s really growing and improving all the time. There were some really good moments from him today, obviously the goals.
“To lead the line for Newcastle isn’t an easy thing; there is a lot of pressure, expectation and responsibility that comes with that role. I’m really pleased with his progression, but I still feel he has got a lot to come, which is really exciting.”
Howe’s comments were rather telling of what his striker plans may be going forward, with Osula clearly making an impression on the Newcastle boss ahead of a big summer.
The Dane seems to have played himself into being a major part of Howe’s squad. His goalscoring record in recent weeks has massively repaid the faith that Howe has shown in him late this season.
That was once again aided today. A brace coupled with a glamorous Michael Jackson-inspired celebration further endeared him to a role in the first XI.
There had been question marks when Osula began to start games, especially with big-money players like Nick Woltemade and Wissa sitting on the bench. But Osula has silenced the doubters with his impressive record.
What do Howe’s comments mean for Wissa?
Yoane Wissa appears to be the main man implicated by Howe’s glowing report on Osula.
Given that Nick Woltemade is being deployed in other areas of the pitch, Wissa and Osula are the two fighting it out for the starting striker role.
Wissa has yet to show anything in a black and white shirt to suggest he should be starting. Pair that with Osula’s goal-scoring spree, and the waters are growing increasingly murky around the forward’s future.
Whilst Howe’s Osula praise doesn’t directly implicate Wissa, it can be reliably inferred that the trust built between the Dane and Howe can only be detrimental to the starting aspirations of the Congolese forward.
Is Wissa’s future safe at Newcastle?
Howe spoke earlier in the week about his striker options, mentioning Wissa in a positive light.
But there is swirling speculation about the possibility of some transfer movement in those forward areas, with the likes of Darwin Núñez linked.
Wissa has been stated as the most likely to see the exit door, with some suggestions that Newcastle would be more than willing to get rid of the former Brentford man.
Any sale would mark a massive loss for the club; recouping anywhere close to the £50m paid is exceptionally unlikely. But Newcastle could still favour that option, especially if Wissa’s struggles continue in early pre-season.
