In a significant January transfer twist, Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign Newcastle United forward William Osula. The potential deal could have direct consequences for West Ham United and their out-of-favour striker Niclas Füllkrug.
The Frankfurt Agreement and Newcastle's Stance
According to reports from Sky Germany, a basic verbal agreement is now in place between Frankfurt and the representatives of William Osula. The 22-year-old Danish striker joined Newcastle from Sheffield United in the summer of 2024 for an initial £10m, with add-ons potentially taking the fee to £15m.
Despite limited opportunities behind Alexander Isak and the since-departed Callum Wilson last season, Osula's potential has attracted notable interest. Frankfurt are actively seeking two strikers after losing Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool and have identified Osula as a primary target.
Newcastle United are yet to accept any formal offer for the player, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury. It is understood the Bundesliga club's proposed fee is around €20m (£17.5m), notably less than the £30m offers the Magpies reportedly rejected during a chaotic summer window.
How This Impacts West Ham and Niclas Füllkrug
The developments in Frankfurt have a knock-on effect in East London. The German club had previously considered West Ham's Niclas Füllkrug as a potential target to bolster their attack.
However, with progress now being made on a move for Osula, Füllkrug has been pushed down their shortlist and is not currently a target. This complicates the 32-year-old German international's desire for a January exit, with clubs like Hamburg and Augsburg now leading the chase for his signature.
Füllkrug's move to West Ham in 2024, orchestrated by then-manager Julen Lopetegui, has failed to deliver. Plagued by Achilles and hamstring injuries, he has scored just three goals in 29 appearances for the Hammers and is yet to find the net this season, falling behind Callum Wilson in the pecking order.
What Happens Next for Osula and Newcastle?
The final decision now rests with Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe. The club has Nick Woltemade and the soon-to-be-available Yoane Wissa as striking options, but may view Osula as a valuable third-choice forward given his age and potential.
Frankfurt's pressing need for attacking reinforcements, coupled with their available funds, makes them serious suitors. Whether they meet Newcastle's valuation or the Magpies opt to retain their young asset will be a key storyline as the January transfer window approaches.
For West Ham, the situation leaves them needing to find an alternative destination for Füllkrug if they wish to move on from a signing that has not lived up to its initial promise.
