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(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Fri 8 August 2025 21:57, UK
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is no closer to finding a replacement for Alexander Isak following the Toon’s latest pre-season friendly.
Howe’s side returned to St James’ Park to face Espanyol following a clash with Celtic in Glasgow and a pre-season tour of Asia.
Their preparations for the new campaign have been overshadowed by striker Isak wanting to leave the club with Premier League champions Liverpool currently the most likely to sign the 25-year-old.
With Callum Wilson also departing this summer, Howe only has 21-year-old William Osula as a natural number nine to call upon.
Photo Credit: Imago
Osula was given his opportunity to impress Howe and make a claim to be given greater game time this season amid Newcastle’s struggles to sign an Isak replacement.
Following the friendly against Espanyol, Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy said Osula failed to take the audition handed to him as Isak once again did not partake in proceedings.
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The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Matt Targett and Jacob Murphy on the scoresheet, whilst new loan goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale saved a penalty.
Howe needs to find his Isak replacement.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Football Insider Verdict
Osula was always unlikely to be the answer up-front for Eddie Howe, but the youngster has not boosted his chance of gaining more first team minutes this season.
It is a more clear therefore after the Espanyol friendly that Howe is desperate for a striker, though he may either have to pay more than he wants or sign a player he doesn’t want to ensure a number nine is signed before the window slams shut.
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