Newcastle transfer news: "Talented young forward" completes £15m move

Newcastle United have announced the signing of striker William Osula from Sheffield United.

The 21-year-old joins the Magpies for an undisclosed fee which is believed to be £15m, including an initial £10m up front plus £5m in add-ons.

Osula departs Sheffield United after scoring three goals in 21 appearances for the Blades last season, all of them coming in the FA Cup.

Born in Copenhagen, Osula began his youth career in the Danish capital before making the move to Sheffield United's academy in 2018 and later signing his first professional contract with the club in 2021.

Osula spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Derby County before returning to Sheffield United last season, but he was unable to help the Blades avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The young forward has nevertheless caught the eye of Newcastle, who have made the Dane their fifth first-team signing of the summer transfer window after Lewis Hall, Lloyd Kelly, Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy.

Welcome, Will! 🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/MYiwyyOGDL

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 8, 2024

Howe: 'Osula has all the attributes to be an exciting player for Newcastle'

"I'm very happy to be here. It's a big club, a great club, so I'm very happy for the opportunity to join Newcastle United," Osula told the club's official website.

"It's a great opportunity, and as soon as I heard about Newcastle's interest, I knew I had to take the chance to join this club if it came. It has come, and I'm really happy to be here."

Manager Eddie Howe added: "William is a talented young forward with all the attributes to be an exciting player for Newcastle United.

"We have watched his development closely and we are delighted to have the opportunity to work with him in this next step in his career.

"I know our supporters will join me in giving William a very warm welcome to the club and the city."

Osula will be hoping to make an immediate impression under Howe, although he faces stern competition from Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson for regular starts in the final third.

The youngster could be in contention to make his debut for Newcastle when they welcome Southampton to St James' Park for their opening match of the 2024-25 Premier League season on August 17.