Derby County view on Bristol Rovers’ Will Osula pursuit with Sheff Utd man in demand

Bristol Rovers have been linked with a move for Sheffield United starlet Will Osula.

BristolLive reported last week that Osula is on a long transfer shortlist that Joey Barton is drawing up. Osula scored an impressive hat-trick against inter-city rivals Bristol City recently and his performance has attracted some attention.

Anyone hoping for a quick and seamless transfer will have to wait though because according to The Star, the Blades aren’t going to be rushed in to a decision on Osula’s future. His season has only just finished after losing 2-1 to Millwall in the Professional Development League final on Monday night. It is said United would prefer a Championship move too but given his lack of consistent starts for Derby County, that could be ambitious.

Barton’s success with working with young players is what will stand the Gas in good stead if they consider lodging a bid. Look at Elliot Anderson, who a year ago scored the goal to get Rovers out of league Two, and then a year later he’s starting in a match to get Newcastle United in to the Champions League.

Rovers are going to need to get their recruitment right this summer if they want to progress. To get an idea of what Will Osula is about. We speak to DerbyWorld’s Dylan Oakley about the 19-year-old.

How did Osula do for Derby County this season?

Osula showed real promise for Derby, he was only on loan for half the season but he became a solid second striker option for Paul Warne to bring off the bench. He scored five goals in his time but could’ve had many more due to how well he broke free in the final third and got himself into some great positions.

What type of forward is he?

He’s a physically gifted forward in most respects, he’s got a good burst of speed and once he does get going, he has the ability to create space for himself either through pace or shrugging of challenges.

What are his main attributes and areas where he can improve?

That is where his strengths lie, in his overall attacking play. The biggest criticism is his end product as realistically he could’ve scored more for Derby. But this is something that he could develop as he’s obviously so young still at 19.

Could you see Derby going back in for Osula this summer?

I think most Derby fans would be really pleased if the Rams brought him back to Pride Park this summer because his work rate and ability made him very popular. However, I think it could be unlikely that he returns though as he was brought in whilst Liam Rosenior was manager and not Paul Warne, I think Warne has a clear vision of the type of players he wants and maybe Osula didn’t quite fit into his system otherwise more goals could’ve come.

Is there anything else Bristol Rovers fans should know about him?

On a less significant note, Derby fans quickly gathered that his name fits well into the Tequila song for a chant, might be something that Bristol Rovers fans pick up if they do sign him

And overall…

Overall, a lot of potential hence why Sheffield United were keen to recall him back from Derby and is very well equipped to make an impact for Rovers should they sign him even just for a year.