Will Osula. Jacob Ramsey. (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Aston Villa are now preparing for another huge campaign under Unai Emery after securing Champions League football for next season with games to spare.
The Villans have once again enjoyed an outstanding year domestically and could still finish the season with silverware, with Emery leading the club into the Europa League final against Freiburg tomorrow night — a competition the Spaniard has built his reputation on mastering.
With European football once again guaranteed and a packed fixture list looming next term, Villa are already beginning work on strengthening key areas of the squad ahead of the summer transfer window.
One position expected to receive attention is the forward line, and the club now appear to have identified an emerging Premier League talent as a potential option.
Villa Keen on Will Osula
Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Newcastle United striker Will Osula following the Danish forward’s impressive rise this season.
The 22-year-old, described as “excellent” by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, has emerged as one of the few major positives in an otherwise frustrating campaign at St James’ Park.
Osula has scored seven Premier League goals this term and has particularly caught the eye in recent months after being handed an extended run in the starting side. His pace, movement and finishing ability have seen his reputation grow rapidly both in England and abroad.
According to The i paper, Villa are long-term admirers of the striker, while clubs in Germany are also continuing to monitor his situation closely. Newcastle, however, are believed to value him extremely highly after his breakthrough campaign.
Reports suggest the Magpies would demand a huge fee to even consider discussions, especially after previously rejecting lower offers before Osula’s stock dramatically rose over the second half of the season.
The forward’s numbers have also strengthened his growing reputation. Despite limited minutes earlier in the campaign, Osula boasts one of the strongest goals-per-minute ratios in the Premier League, underlining why clubs are now beginning to view him as a player with significant long-term potential.
For Villa, the interest makes plenty of sense. Emery is expected to rotate heavily next season with domestic and European demands increasing, and Osula’s profile fits the club’s strategy of adding younger, high-upside talent capable of developing into top-level starters over time.
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