Osula ‘still determined’ to join Frankfurt as January transfer becomes highly likely

Eintracht Frankfurt’s winter rebuild is about to accelerate — and William Osula remains right at the centre of it. According to BILD, the Bundesliga club are preparing to re-open direct negotiations with Newcastle United after the long-term injury to Jonathan Burkardt intensified their urgency for a new striker. And this time, they may finally get the deal they thought was sealed back in August.

The German outlet reports that Frankfurt still consider Osula their “top priority” for the January transfer window. A full agreement had been reached in the summer before Newcastle’s owners blocked the move in the final hours, shaken by the uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak. Since then, a lot has changed — and almost all of it points to the same outcome: Osula pushing for a move that now looks highly realistic.

Newcastle’s attacking landscape shifted dramatically after they sold Alexander Isak to Liverpool. Instead of Osula being promoted, the club leaned on Lennart Woltemade and even used Anthony Gordon as a false nine, leaving Osula adrift in the pecking order.

Despite scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist in just 344 minutes this season, he has not earned consistent starts. From my experience analysing Newcastle’s squad structure, it’s clear that Osula sits stylistically between roles: not the aerial target Woltemade offers, and not the fluid hybrid that Gordon can be centrally. That footballing mismatch has opened the exit door.

Frankfurt, however, view him differently — as a mobile, aggressive, transitional striker who fits their Bundesliga identity. With Burkardt sidelined and attacking output dropping, their need has grown urgent.

Frankfurt would like a loan with an option to buy, but Newcastle prefer an outright sale. A fee between €20–25m is already being referenced, though the final figure could hinge on Osula’s insistence and Newcastle’s willingness to reinvest in January.

Although some German outlets hint that Frankfurt are confident, other indications suggest the deal still depends entirely on Newcastle’s ownership. Saudi-led leadership previously blocked the summer move — and their stance remains the wild card.

In our view, this transfer is edging toward inevitability. Because Osula wants the move, Frankfurt want the player, and Newcastle have shifted their attacking structure, all the incentives now align. Although some may argue Newcastle need depth, other indications from squad usage suggest Osula will not become a long-term starter under the current manager.

It’s worth questioning whether Newcastle might try to renegotiate the structure into a buy-back deal or a large sell-on clause — strategies they’ve used before with young forwards. But Frankfurt’s insistence, plus Osula’s determination, tips the balance toward a permanent departure.

Another nuance: Frankfurt’s January strategy is shaped by finances and Burkardt’s injury. Osula fits both a short-term gap and long-term development. For Newcastle, a €25m sale would help fund reinforcements in wide or defensive areas.

One aspect not highlighted in Germany’s reporting is Osula’s stylistic suitability. The Bundesliga rewards vertical speed, aggressive pressing and strikers who attack space — traits Osula has shown in England but hasn’t been given sustained minutes to refine. His physical profile resembles the type Frankfurt have previously succeeded with: Luka Jović, Randal Kolo Muani, Rafael Borré. That pattern makes Frankfurt a logical landing spot and explains why the player sees it as the perfect developmental next step.

Direct talks between Eintracht Frankfurt and Newcastle are expected to resume soon. With Osula pushing internally and Frankfurt maintaining regular contact with his representatives, the next few weeks may determine whether the transfer is finalised before January’s opening days.

👉 Newcastle fans — should the club sell Osula now, or does he deserve a bigger role after Isak’s departure?