Munich instead of Frankfurt: could Bayern spring a surprise?

FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-ST PAULI-BAYERN MUNICH

Beyond Anthony Gordon, FC Bayern Munich are reportedly eyeing another Newcastle United forward: William Osula.

According to the Daily Mail, Bayern Munich is monitoring the Dane's situation closely. He could step in as Harry Kane's backup, a role currently held by Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese forward, on loan from Chelsea FC, is set to leave Munich in the summer, as sporting director Max Eberl confirmed at the end of April. 

Osula's sudden link with Bayern comes as a surprise. Until recently, media reports consistently identified his teammate Anthony Gordon as a leading candidate to plug the club's attacking void, thanks to his versatility up front. RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande is also in the frame; The Athletic claims he is the preferred target, though his transfer would cost more than Gordon's.

Osula, by contrast, is a classic No. 9. At 1.91 m and 22 years old, he combines size with pace. The report adds that Bayer Leverkusen, Everton and Crystal Palace are also monitoring him. Unlike Gordon, though, he is not a regular starter for the Magpies.

Newcastle United v Bournemouth - Premier League

Newcastle have blocked Osula's move to Eintracht Frankfurt.

For much of the current season, Osula was a long way from a regular starting place. Although he made 32 appearances, he managed just over 1,000 minutes on the pitch. During that time, he did, however, score seven goals. Most recently, though, Osula started four consecutive Premier League matches and scored three goals.

Even before the season began, it was clear that Osula would face an uphill battle under manager Eddie Howe, given the signings of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. As a result, transfer rumours persisted. Osula was reportedly close to agreeing a loan move with an option to buy at Eintracht Frankfurt, but Newcastle blocked the switch. The move collapsed over transfer terms. A fresh approach in January also failed, despite Osula remaining a substitute. VfB Stuttgart were linked with a move around the turn of the year. 

Osula wouldn't be a bargain – could Vlahovic arrive on a free transfer?

However, Osula would still not be a bargain, having joined Newcastle from Sheffield United in 2024 for €11.6 million. The Daily Mail reports that the Magpies' asking price stands at around €46 million, as the club urgently needs to raise funds to comply with England's strict financial regulations. That pressure is heightened by the fact that the 13th-placed side will miss out on European competition. The Danish Under-21 international still has a contract until 2029, so an extension with improved terms is not currently on the cards, even though Osula has established himself as the club's most in-form striker.

Should they prefer a more traditional centre-forward, Bayern could turn to Dusan Vlahovic as a far cheaper option. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serbian will be available on a free transfer in the summer and is keen to move to Munich, while his future at Juventus appears increasingly uncertain due to a stalemate over salary demands. 

William Osula: Performance data and statistics for Newcastle United