Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup defence is gathering momentum after their third-round win over Bradford City set up a clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Eddie Howe’s men face a stern test, but with their growing fluency and a strong recent record against Spurs, optimism remains high.
The summer departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a record £125m fee left a major void in attack. Isak had netted 27 goals last season and scored against the Reds at Wembley.
Newcastle reinvested in Yoane Wissa from Brentford and Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart, while William Osula is pushing for more opportunities.
Osula, signed from Sheffield United for £15m, had a quiet first campaign but is showing signs of progress this term.
He scored twice in the 4-1 cup win over Bradford, taking his tally to three goals after also striking against Liverpool.
Howe praised the 22-year-old’s hold-up play and versatility, suggesting he could earn more Premier League minutes.
Even so, Newcastle rejected a £30m offer from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, a decision that could backfire.
Osula remains raw and inconsistent, and with Wissa expected back from injury and Woltemade impressing following his £69m move, his pathway looks uncertain.
Further complicating matters is academy striker Sean Neave, who is rapidly emerging as a major prospect. At just 18, Neave has already stepped up to Premier League 2 level, scoring three goals and registering an assist in six appearances.
Standing at 6ft 1, quick, athletic, and clinical, he has drawn comparisons to Isak for his playing style and is tipped for a senior debut soon.
Though left out of the Bradford squad, Neave’s rise suggests his chance will come sooner rather than later.
Newcastle insiders describe him as a “natural finisher” with the physical tools to thrive at the top level. If he continues his current trajectory, he could soon surpass Osula in the pecking order.
That possibility raises questions about Newcastle’s decision to hold onto Osula when Frankfurt offered significant money.
Howe labelled his summer “turbulent,” and the Danish forward remains third choice. With Neave pushing through, his sale might have been the smarter option.
Despite early-season attacking struggles, reflected in a 4.6 expected goals tally that ranks only 16th in the league, Howe’s squad has depth and creativity to improve.
Woltemade has already scored since joining, and Wissa is expected to make an impact on return.
In contrast, Osula’s unpolished style leaves him vulnerable. With Neave knocking on the first-team door, Newcastle may soon regret passing up £30m for a forward whose long-term prospects look limited.
