What next for the Newcastle ace who Aston Villa agreed to sign on deadline day
Aston Villa were just hours away from signing Will Osula on transfer deadline day, before the move collapsed.
Osula was a late target for Villa, the striker having enjoyed a strong start to the season with Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old found the net against Liverpool in the Premier League, and was also attracting interest from Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.
Villa had even agreed a deal to sign Osula, with the move reportedly set to be worth around £30million.
But UEFA blocked Villa’s move for Osula, with the Villans not able to lose the pure profit from Jacob Ramsey‘s move to the Magpies.
William Osula’s next move following Aston Villa interest
Osula may well have been starting in Unai Emery‘s attack by now, had his move to Villa Park come to fruition.
Ollie Watkins has been poor for Villa this season, with the striker having just one goal to his name from 13 appearances across all competitions so far.
| Ollie Watkins | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots on target | 3 |
| Chances created | 5 |
| Dispossessed | 9 |
| Possession won in final 3rd | 3 |
That one goal came against Fulham, in a moment that the Villans hoped would turn around the striker’s fortunes, but Watkins has failed to build on the momentum.
Osula, on the other hand, has been making an impression at St James’ Park, despite the striker’s lack of opportunities, given the form of Nick Woltemade.
Mail Sport reported on Thursday that, despite the forward’s lack of minutes and the external interest that still surrounds him, Osula will not be leaving Newcastle in January.
The Magpies are impressed with the Dane’s progress, and are keen to allow him to continue his development under Eddie Howe.
Unai Emery backing Ollie Watkins to return to form
Emery’s belief in Watkins has never wavered, despite the striker’s dismal form this season.
“He played a fantastic 30 minutes,” the Spaniard said after the England international had appeared off the bench against Tottenham.
“He didn’t score, but fantastic! Today, I watched him, wow! This is a better Watkins. Not scoring, not assisting, but he played fantastic.”
That belief will be tested, however, for as long as Watkins fails to re-find his feet. Osula may not be the striker Villa turn to in January, but a move cannot be ruled out.
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