European qualification could have huge affect on Newcastle United forward Will Osula's medium-term future - journalist

Newcastle United added just two players to the squad in the summer, a free signing who has already moved on in Lloyd Kelly and £15m Will Osula who has started just three games all season.

Will Osula was signed by Newcastle as a 'project player' much like Lewis Hall the season before, but while Lewis Hall had started to get more regular first-team action by this point last season, Will Osula still has to make do with a place on the bench.

Arriving for a reported £15 million from Sheffield United, Osula came to Newcastle full of promise after being coached by Jason Tindall in the past, who spotted the Norwegian's raw talent.

Osula's first-team opportunities have been very limited this season but from what we have seen of him, you can see that the raw talent is there, but as yet, Newcastle don't feel he's refined that talent enough to be trusted for anything more than brief cameos.

Will Osula's immediate future is dependent on which European competition Newcastle are playing in next season

In truth, seeing how he is off the pitch it's easy to see why. The lad is clearly riddled with ADHD with an intense focus on the H as he is as mad as a box of frogs, but that could also be a huge part of his game if he can learn to harness it.

In a Q&A with Chris Waugh for The Athletic, the journalist was asked what Newcastle's plans are with Osula, and he mentioned the possibility of a loan but then went on to explain how a lot could depend on which European competition Newcastle ultimately qualify for next season.

"There have been suggestions that Osula could be loaned out next season to gain greater experience, but his medium-term future may be influenced by which European competition Newcastle are in. He would play regularly in the UEFA Conference League and Howe could observe his development more closely, but he may struggle for game-time should Newcastle qualify for the Champions League."

Newcastle look destined for the Champions League which could see Osula loaned out

As things stand, there seems a high likelihood that Newcastle will be playing in the Champions League which could mean Osula is sent out on loan to get more first-team football.

However, the big issue with that right now is that it would leave Alexander Isak as the only striking option with Callum Wilson's contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Obviously, Newcastle are looking to recruit a striker in the summer, and there's still a chance Wilson will be offered another contract in a bid to keep some depth to the squad, but it's all just guesswork right now.