Trust the process - the shock £15m Newcastle United raid that should have fans very excited

When Newcastle United supporters were drawing up their wish list of prospective transfer targets ahead of the summer window, it is unlikely that William Osula would have been anybody’s first choice. In truth, for most, he wouldn’t have even featured in the top 100.

The young Dane may not be the big name striker that many Magpies were hoping for, but it would appear that he is the one they are getting. According to a report from The Telegraph, their club have reached an agreement with Sheffield United worth around £10 million, plus a further £5 million in add-ons, with new sporting director Paul Mitchell largely driving the deal based on the belief that Osula will thrive under the guidance of Eddie Howe.

The 20-year-old scored three goals across all competitions last season, but none in the Premier League, as the Blades succumbed to the tractor beam pull of relegation. Nevertheless, the feeling on Tyneside is that he boasts vast potential, and that he could offer valuable strength in depth, initially as a squad player, but hopefully as a first team regular once he hits his stride.

With Alexander Isak very much regarded as Howe’s leading man, and with lingering doubts over Callum Wilson’s injury record and long-term future at St. James’ Park, the need for bodies at the point of attack is fairly obvious. Osula would offer a rotational option in that regard, as well as the possibility of playing out on the wing if required. The aim beyond that would be that he develops into a talent worthy of a starting berth in the top flight.

Mitchell is seemingly convinced, even if others might not be, but from a Toon perspective, there are reasons to have faith. In recent seasons, we have seen fairly frequent acquisitions of this nature - young players with high ceilings of potential who have arrived in the North East and found another level. Of course, you could argue that certain names - the likes of Anthony Gordon or Tino Livramento - have arrived with greater reputations and expectations than Osula, but nevertheless, they are they blueprint for a process that, thus far, has yielded results.

And so, if all goes to plan, this could be a savvy piece of business from Newcastle; affordable, understated, and with one eye fixed firmly on the future. In the here and now, there are strong arguments to be made for the Magpies needing more besides - another senior centre forward, perhaps, and maybe the out-and-out wide man that has been spoken about so often over the course of the transfer window. It is also understood that Howe would ideally like to bring in another right-sided centre-back too.

But if Osula arrives as part of a broader swathe of recruitment, as a pleasing footnote in a barrage of activity that is still yet to fully unfurl itself, then this relatively unexpected switch should probably be viewed with a decent amount of favour - and if not favour, then at least trust in Mitchell’s rationale.