Newcastle United will not allow manager Eddie Howe to be without a proven striker as the summer transfer window approaches its end and Alexander Isak faces a possible departure.
The club's administration remains firm despite Liverpool's efforts to lure the 25-year-old Swede, whose own desire to change teams has added to the tension.
However, with Callum Wilson gone and no obvious replacements available (Brentford's Joane Wissa remains out of reach, with Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitije and Benjamin Cesc all off the table), the Magpies are left with a dearth of attacking options.
Commenting on the possible departure of Isak without signing a replacement, Howe said: “I am sure the club will not allow such a scenario.
“Going through the season without an experienced centre forward in the squad is unacceptable for us. This does not concern Will Osula personally.
“He is showing progress, but he has little practice in the Premier League, although I am pleased with his development.
“Right now, only Alex has the necessary experience, statistics and status as a key player in the league. We can't take any risks.”
Osula, 22, has not started a Premier League game since his £10m move from Sheffield United, with Anthony Gordon taking the unusual role of centre-forward in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa and likely to repeat the role against Liverpool.
Asked about the difficulties of Gordon adapting to the No.9 role (which he played in the England Under-21 team that won the 2023 European Championship), the coach noted: “He is a forward, and a high-level one at that.
“Even during the transfer, we assessed his flexibility: he can play on the flanks or in the center, where he already has experience, including in the national team.
“Alex is irreplaceable and Anthony knows that. His job is to find his own strengths rather than copy another player's style.
“If he had scored against Villa, it would have been considered a perfect game for a centre-forward. He created seven chances, forced the opponent to get a red card.
“His speed and dribbling were a boon to the team. It was a brilliant performance.
“Yes, there was no overall goal for the game, but I am sure that this element will be added.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
