Newcastle boost striker ranks with signing of William Osula from Sheffield United

Newcastle United have bolstered their attack with the signing of Sheffield United striker William Osula for an undisclosed fee.

The versatile 21-year-old arrives having scored three goals in 31 starts for the Blades. Last season, Osula made nine Premier League starts and 12 substitute appearances as Sheffield United were relegated to the Championship.

“I’m really happy to be here. It’s a big club, a great club, so I’m really 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 delighted to be here.”

Osula’s arrival eases some pressure on the Magpies’ front line, which suffered crippling injury problems throughout the last campaign. Top scorer Alexander Isak missed 12 games during two spells out with a groin injury and was considered a target for Arsenal this summer, while Callum Wilson made just nine Premier League appearances after hamstring, calf and back injuries derailed another promising season.

Eddie Howe’s side have looked tired in the latter stages of a year that has included an energy-sapping Champions League schedule. While last year’s seventh-place finish saw them miss out on Europe, Wilson continues to struggle with injury problems in pre-season and, at 32, could see his playing prospects diminish.

Osula is capable of operating in the middle and on the wings, making him a useful addition to a side that will also be hoping to retain Harvey Barnes’ fitness for longer than the 23 games he played in all competitions last year.

He has five caps for Denmark’s Under-21s and is the club’s sixth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Lewis Hall, Lloyd Kelly, John Ruddy, Odysseas Vlachodimos and Miodrag Pivas.

“William is a talented young striker with all the attributes to be an exciting player for Newcastle United,” said Howe.

“We have followed his development closely and are delighted to have the opportunity to work with him on this next step in his career.

“I know our fans will join me in giving William a warm welcome to the club and the city.”