Newcastle United intend to hand William Osula a central role in their re-shaped attack next season, with the Denmark striker having convinced Eddie Howe that he should not be sacrificed in the club’s close season overhaul.
Newcastle are looking to move quickly in the transfer market and could have a second signing of the summer confirmed within days after the arrival of France under-21 goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.
The club hope to fast-track their move for exciting Spain winger Victor Munoz after an encouraging round of talks with Osasuna over the £30m winger.
While sources played down talk of a bid – Newcastle’s more strategic approach this summer means they are maintaining a detailed dialogue with club and player before formalising their interest – there is optimism that a move can be finalised.
Crucially, Victor Munoz – who has a £34.5m release clause – is understood to be keen to make the switch. He is currently with the rest of the Spain camp in Tennessee, preparing for the World Cup.
If a move proceeds as planned, he will join Osula as part of a youthful and re-invigorated forward line, with Newcastle not actively looking to sell the forward despite – in the words of one source – “clubs across Europe willing to throw cash at us for him”.
Osula’s profile, potential and age mean he stands out in a striker market that feels much more tepid than last season, when Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Victor Gyokeres all made big moves. Aston Villa and Everton have been credited with interest in Osula – along with a clutch of clubs in Germany – but only “silly money” would open the door for a move.
He scored six goals in an end-of-season run in which he made seven starts but it was increased maturity and tactical acumen that impressed Newcastle’s coaches who had previously pondered whether he could fulfil that potential.
Osula is now arguably in front of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, who Newcastle would be prepared to listen to offers for this season. Both are currently out at the World Cup but sources did not rule out a move away for the DR Congo striker.
Newcastle’s position in relation to the financial rules means it is effectively one in, one out this summer – so any move for a striker would require an outgoing.
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In a further sign of Newcastle’s proactive approach this summer they are also understood to have made enquiries with Manchester City about James Trafford – although any move would probably require the price to be right and for the player to show willingness to move after a knockback last year.
They would also need to find a buyer for Nick Pope. But the interest is real and a further sign of the scope of the overhaul.
The Magpies continue to “spin plates” in the transfer market with moves for a No 6 and right-back the next priorities after securing Anthony Gordon’s replacement. As revealed by The i Paper back in March, Monaco’s Lamine Camara is high up on their transfer wishlist.
But the situation is regarded as fluid, with another big sale a distinct possibility. Manchester United have an interest in Lewis Hall and Sandro Tonali, who has also been linked with Manchester City, but both would command big money.
Newcastle sources were mystified by talk of Hall wanting out of St James’ Park that circulated on Thursday. Part of the new approach is a more straightforward approach to outgoings, as was witnessed with Gordon’s move to Barcelona, to avoid any repeat of the Isak mess that polluted the entire 2025-26 campaign.
If a player is seeking an exit route, there will be “honesty” around what that looks like and what it would take for any move to happen. But neither Hall nor Tonali have had that conversation with Newcastle.
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