As you may have read earlier today, Newcastle United are on the verge of signing teenage sensation Garang Kuol from Central Coast Mariners.
Kuol, who turns 18 tomorrow, has been described as one of the “most exciting talents” the A-League has ever seen after bagging four goals and an assist in just 189 minutes of action.
The Australian striker earned his maiden call-up to the national team this week and is expected to make his Socceroos debut in the home-and-away double header against New Zealand later this month – which could be good news for Newcastle as international caps would help him secure a much needed work permit.
Kuol has also received huge praise from Barca boss Xavi after turning heads during a pre-season friendly between the A-League All Stars and Barcelona in May, which saw him hit the post twice, use his pace to great effect and come close to a wondergoal after a superb solo run.
Here’s what Xavi had to say after the game, followed by highlights of his electric display against the La Liga giants just a few months ago:
“He played really well. He created many chances, almost scored.
“For only being 17-year-old, that’s unbelievable.”
Central Coast Mariners head coach Nick Montgomery also had this to say on Kuol in a recent interview, believing he is one of the “most exciting talents” the A-League has ever seen, as well as a level-headed youngster who “isn’t fazed by anything.”
“He is a quiet kid off the field but most importantly does his talking on the field, is lethal in front of goal and a player who likes to go at defenders 1v1 and we saw that with the performances he produced off the bench at the back end of last season,
“Garang isn’t fazed by anything and is very level-headed, which is why he made Barcelona seem like an easy assignment and in the process, being an inspiration for all kids in this country. It gave our club great pride to see him make the match his own.
“I look forward to working with him for the next two years at the club and developing him further to become one of the A-League’s most exciting talents in a long time.”
The Egyptian-born forward signed a two-year professional contract with Central Coast Mariners in June, but he’s received serious interest from a host of European giants since then, with Barcelona and Chelsea both linked with summer moves.
However, it looks like Newcastle United have won the race, with him expected to arrive at St James’ Park in January before going out on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 season to continue his development at senior level.
It is expected that a deal to bring the teen to Tyneside will be of a relatively low cost due to a buyout clause in Kuol’s contract, although the deal is expected to include various add-ons and a future sell-on percentage should the Aussie prospect continues to shine in England.
Here’s a few more clips of the 17-year-old sensation in action:
