It’s just shy of four full years since Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.
You’d have to search far and wide to find a Magpies fan who would contest PIF’s shrewd appointment, with the club having risen from the dangers of the relegation zone to a new reputation as regular European contenders and trophy winners besides.
Howe has welcomed many exciting talents to St. James’ Park on the transfer front, but he’s also elevated formerly struggling stars to a new, respected status.
Howe's rekindled Newcastle stars
Newcastle are unrecognisable from the motley group who toiled their way through the final pre-PIF years.
And Fabian Schar is utterly transformed. Journalist John Gibson once branded ther Swiss international as a “walking mistake”, but went on to remark that he has “eliminated” the flaws from his game.
Dynamic and dependable in central defence, Schar has stood strong despite the impetus on investment in recent years. But he’s not the only one.
Joelinton’s resurgence in the Premier League has been a wonderful thing. Arriving in 2019 for a club-record £40m fee, the Brazilian was billed as the club’s long-term solution at number nine. That failed miserably, but he has been refashioned into a robust and tough-tackling midfielder.
Part of Howe’s core group of mainstays on Tyneside, Newcastle would not have reached their giddy heights without Joelinton’s energetic and combative presence in the middle of the park, a counterpoint to the elegance and technical control of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
1
Bruno Guimaraes
163
2
Fabian Schar
160
3
Dan Burn
158
4
Jacob Murphy
144
5
Joelinton
138
Joelinton will be an inspiration to Newcastle stars looking to knuckle down and make improvements, weathering the adversity that falls upon those younger stars looking to make their way.
Lewis Miley will hope to take a leaf from the 29-year-old’s book, but there’s actually another up-and-comer in black and white who might be Howe’s next version of the powerful talent.
Howe's new version of Joelinton
Joelinton might not have worked out as a free-scoring forward, but he’s been an indispensable part of the Newcastle journey under Howe’s management.
And while he has struggled to click into gear since joining from Sheffield United for £15m in 2024, William Osula may yet follow in his teammate’s footsteps.
Last season, Osula was on the backbench for much of the year, unable to earn a single start in the top flight and struggling to impress when presented with rare opportunities. Former Newcastle defender John Anderson said he was “disappointed” with the striker during one match against Leicester in April.
But with three goals and an assist across nine matches this term, the Denmark U21 international is showing improvements in the final third, with Howe claiming “he’s done his chances no harm”, in regard to a more important role, after scoring against Liverpool in the Premier League in August.
Having rejected a £30m offer from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, Howe clearly sees the potential in his young star, who could enjoy a Joelinton-like resurgence, especially with several showings this term seeing him lean out toward the right flank, bespeaking a potential role shift down the line, with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa nailed down at the top of the pecking order up front.
His performance against Liverpool, showing tenacity and drive, led journalist Thomas Hammond to hail the young star for “becoming a fan favourite”, and if he can maintain the quality to match, it could be a fruitful future for Osula in England’s north east.
Osula is far below the level of consistency required to upset Woltemade’s claim for the star spot at number nine, but he’s certainly going the right way about it.
Question marks were raised when United turned down a big offer for his signature this summer, but, just like with Joelinton, one who seemed certain for the axe may yet rise to a prominent position in Howe’s Newcastle squad.