Erik ten Hag sign Newcastle United man now, he wants to play regular football Alexander Isak, is currently not involved amid speculation over his future. Newcastle are desperately short up front, though a recent transfer update actually suggests Osula could be on his way out of St James’ Park.

Although Sean Neave remains an alternative for Newcastle United, the youngster is still well behind William Osula in terms of senior experience. Yet Eddie Howe continues to overlook the Danish U21 international. Instead, the Newcastle boss opted to deploy Anthony Gordon as a makeshift striker against Aston Villa — a bold move that now looks set to continue when they face Liverpool on Monday night.

Alexander Isak would ordinarily be another option, but with uncertainty surrounding his future, he has been left out of contention.

Erik ten Hag could be about to deliver a significant transfer-market coup — and Newcastle United might feel the impact.

With Alexander Isak sidelined amid ongoing uncertainty over his future, the Magpies are already short of striking options. Now, in a surprising twist, William Osula could be on the brink of departing St James’ Park.

Recent reports indicate that Bayer Leverkusen, now managed by former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, have identified the 22-year-old forward as a key target. The German side view Osula as a long-term prospect and are reportedly considering a move before the transfer window closes.

For Newcastle, the timing is far from ideal. Eddie Howe has shown limited confidence in Osula, frequently relying on makeshift solutions like Anthony Gordon up front rather than giving the Danish U21 international consistent game time. Despite impressive performances at youth level, Osula saw just 413 minutes of Premier League action last season and has openly expressed his desire for regular first-team football.

That ambition could now take him abroad. With ten Hag actively rebuilding his Leverkusen squad, Osula may find the ideal environment to develop — leaving Newcastle in danger of losing another attacking option when they can least afford it.

Newcastle’s lack of depth up front has become glaring, but transfer whispers suggest Osula himself could be on the move. According to German football insider Florian Plettenberg, Bayer Leverkusen — now managed by former Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag after he replaced Xabi Alonso earlier this summer — are keeping a close eye on the striker. While talks are not advanced, Osula is firmly “one to watch” as deadline day approaches.

For Newcastle, the timing is awkward. Letting a striker leave while struggling to bring one in feels counterintuitive, yet Howe’s reluctance to trust Osula is evident. Despite shining for Denmark at the U21 European Championships, the 22-year-old has barely featured at club level — just 413 minutes of Premier League action last season, with only a late cameo against Villa this term.

Osula has made it clear he wants regular football, but with Howe consistently looking elsewhere even when short of options, it appears increasingly unlikely he’ll find it at St James’ Park.