After Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Aussie star Garang Kuol, Dan Ashworth has been discussing the club’s commitment to bringing some of the world’s most exciting young players to Tyneside.
He insists that a big part of the club’s “philosophy” is to attract future stars to St James’ Park – and that shows based on the recruitment that’s taken place since his arrival from Brighton.
During the Mike Ashley era, our Academy ranks felt largely ignored. A path to the first-team constantly felt neglected, yet we now have Elliot Anderson taking the steps from U21 talent to first-team regular – and it feels like he’ll be the first of many.
Since Ashworth took the job as our new sporting director, Newcastle United have signed FIVE young talents in Alex Murphy, Charlie McArthur, Jordan Hackett, Jude Smith and Garang Kuol. That feels like no coincidence.
Kuol may arrive with that ‘wonderkid’ status after scoring goals in senior football and running rings around Barcenola in a pre-season friendly, but McArthur is believed to be one of the most promising young defenders north of the border – captaining Scotland’s U17s and featuring several times for Kilmarnock’s first-team – while Murphy comes with rave reviews from Ireland, being another young captain at international level who’s been starring in senior football since the age of 16.
So, while Kuol feels like a statement signing as far as our Academy recruitment is concerned, he is one of several promising teenagers who’ve been brought in since Dan Ashworth’s arrival.
Here’s what our the FA’s former director of elite development told NUFC.co.uk following the Australian’s arrival:
“Garang is a very promising young talent and we are excited that he’ll be continuing his development as a Newcastle United player.
“Our philosophy is to invest in our Academy and in exciting young players for the future, as well as in players required to make an immediate impact in the first team.
“We wish Garang the best of luck in his remaining games with Central Coast Mariners and we hope to see him on the international stage again very soon.”
What’s next, I wonder? Well, if the constant reports emerging from South America are anything to go by, it seems we could see one or two more Brazilian’s joining our ranks.
Speaking on Twitter after Kuol’s arrival, iNews’ Mark Douglas said: ‘Hear they’re also targeting the Brazilian market. Could see progress with highly rated prospects there soon…’
Names like Andrey Santos – among others – have been mentioned for several weeks now, meaning Ashworth’s expertise and Steve Nickson’s scouting in that part of the world could be the perfect mix if we’re looking to sign the next big thing from Brazil.
Whatever happens next, we are in safe hands with Dan Ashworth and finally committing to all areas of the football club, with Kuol’s proof that we’re leaving no stone unturned in our search for future stars.
