Sheffield United boss admits it was all but impossible to keep Will Osula after Newcastle United approach | OneFootball

Will Osula is now reported to be having his medical today on Tyneside.

With Newcastle United and Sheffield United said to have agreed a £10m transfer with £5m potential future add-ons.

At the weekend, Sheffield United played their final pre-season friendly, a 1-1 draw against Huddersfield. The Championship kicks off next weekend, a week earlier than the Premier League.

Blades boss Chris Wilder commented on the absence of Will Osula when quizzed on it, claiming that it was only due to concussion protocols that the young versatile attacking player wasn’t involved.

The Sheffield United manager wouldn’t be drawn on what stage the Will Osula transfer was at, however, he admitted that it was all but impossible to keep an ambitious young player, when a club such as Newcastle United come in for him:

“We are a club in a position that has to be careful that we don’t stifle opportunities for young players to go to Premier League clubs and if there is interest, we make sure we get the best possible price.

“It’s quite difficult to hold onto players now when Premier League clubs come knocking… unfortunately, that attraction of the Premier League and the club is too difficult to turn down.”

Will Osula turned 21 yesterday (Sunday 4 August) and it sounds as though he has good reason for celebrating with this step up to Newcastle United and the Premier League seemingly imminent.

Newcastle United continuing to invest in young talent that has major potential to progress, with Will Osula set to be a first-team squad player this coming season, his rate of progress determining how much time on the pitch he will get in this 2024/25 Premier League season.

On Monday, we brought you news (see below) that Newcastle United had made an approach to sign Will Osula.

The 20-year-old striker currently with Sheffield United.

The local media in Sheffield getting confirmation from their sources inside the Bramall Lane club that Newcastle had made contact to begin talks to buy the young forward.

Now on Thursday, The Telegraph report that a £15m deal has been agreed, a £10m guaranteed fee and then £5m in potential add-ons if he hits future milestones.

Will Osula will come in as initially a first-team squad player, able to play wide or through the middle if needed.

The newspaper says that the final details are still to be concluded but they have been told that neither club expects there to be any problems.

The Telegraph add:

‘Sources have told Telegraph Sport that the deal has been driven by Newcastle’s new sporting director Paul Mitchell who believes Osula will thrive under Howe’s coaching and will eventually become a first-choice forward in the Premier League.’

The Mag report – 29 July 2024:

‘An interesting update on Newcastle United trying to sign Will Osula.

At the weekend, journalist Alan Nixon reported NUFC interest in signing the attacking player.

Now club sources at Sheffield United have confirmed Newcastle United’s intention to buy the 20-year-old.

The Sheffield Star saying that their information on this ‘concrete interest’ comes from within the club itself.

Will Osula will turn 21 on Sunday and is a raw but exciting young attacking player, who played 781 Premier League minutes for Sheffield United last season.

Sheffield United were easily the lowest PL scorers last season with only 35 goals and maybe then no surprise that Will Osula himself didn’t trouble the scoring charts in nine starts and 12 sub appearances.

The versatile attacking player came off the bench at St James’ Park during the 5-1 Newcastle win towards the end of the season.

A valuation of around £10m plus add-ons has been attached to Will Osula and with Callum Wilson injured yet again, I could imagine a punt being taken on a raw young talent such as the Blades striker. I certainly don’t see massive money getting spent on a striker simply as back up to Alexander Isak.

The Sheffield Star report on Newcastle United interest in signing Will Osula – 29 July 2024:

‘Newcastle United’s concrete interest in Sheffield United striker Will Osula could give Blades a big transfer decision to make this summer

Newcastle United’s transfer interest in Sheffield United starlet Will Osula is real and genuine, with the Blades holding firm with their valuation of the Denmark youth international. Osula, still only 20 years of age, has scored twice in United’s pre-season campaign so far ahead of what could be a big season.

Utilised on the left of the United three supporting a lone frontman as part of the 4-2-3-1 shape United have utilised in pre-season, Osula’s pace and power have caught the eye and a lovely finish against York highlighted what he is capable of in front of goal. That promise has not gone unnoticed elsewhere, though, with Newcastle’s interest – reported by journalist Alan Nixon over the weekend – confirmed by club sources.

United have no intention of selling one of their prized assets on the cheap, however, with Newcastle informed that it would take an eight-figure bid – plus add-ons – to even tempt them to the negotiating table. The Magpies are in the market for attacking cover for Alexander Isak, with Callum Wilson potentially missing the start of the new Premier League season with a back injury.

Osula would qualify as a homegrown player for Newcastle, despite being born in Denmark, which could be crucial for their European quota while his potential is obvious.

But United are in a strong negotiating position, with the player under contract at Bramall Lane until 2027 and also likely, as things stand, to enjoy more game-time in South Yorkshire than in the Premier League. But the Blades, as their takeover saga drags on, do need funds to push through other transfer deals and could be tempted to do business if officials in the north-east lodged a concrete bid that matched their valuation of the player.’