Prodigious Socceroos sensation Garang Kuol has received an unlikely boost ahead of his move to Premier League giants Newcastle United, and it could drastically change his immediate future.
The 18-year-old has reportedly secured a coveted UK work permit – which he was not originally expected to obtain early on – thanks to his two appearances at the recent World Cup for Australia according to FTBL.
It means instead of the former Central Coast Mariners wonderkind, who was plucked from obscurity in country Victoria, being forced to bide his time in a European league like Primeira Liga in Portugal, he will likely be loaned out to a UK-based club.
Socceroos sensation Garang Kuol signed with EPL giants Newcastle last September, and left Australia on Tuesday to link up with the club; buoyed by some big news
The exciting forward has the world at his exceptionally talented feet, and left Australia on Tuesday to link up with Newcastle after the Premier League club agreed to a $525,000 transfer fee with the Mariners in September.
Given the fact the teenager only made his debut for the Socceroos in September, and still only had a handful of A-League appearances, he wasn’t expected to be granted a work permit straight away.
That all changed when his electric talent and potential were clear for all to see on the grandest stage of all in Qatar.
Had a sliver of controversial Argentinean goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s bicep not managed to get in the way of Kuol’s brilliant turn and shot in the dying seconds of the Socceroos’ round of 16 clash we might be lavishing even more praise on the exciting youngster.
It has emerged that Garang Kuol WILL nab a UK work permit – something that he was not expected to get due to his inexperience…but cameos at the World Cup with the Socceroos appear to have made a huge difference
However Kuol is still very raw, and has started in only three senior matches for Central Coast, so Newcastle coach Eddie Howe said the priority for the Magpies’ new signing is game-time, in order to fast-track his development.
‘It’s a possibility (Garang could train with us),’ he told reporters on Monday.
‘But I do think that for the player’s development, he needs to go and play.
‘If possible, that would be at a very good level, with a good club and a good coach. That’s not a decision that’s been made currently, so we’ll have to assess all of our options,’ said Howe.
Garang Kuol signed with Newcastle United in September for a transfer fee worth $525,000 though despite leaving Australia on Tuesday to link up with the club, he is expected to almost immediately go out on loan to get valuable experience and playing time
Garang Kuol made two appearances for the Socceroos off the bench at the World Cup, matches that were crucial in ensuring he could snap up a coveted work permit
The January transfer window is now officially open, so Kuol is likely to be dished out to another UK club in the coming weeks.
A stint in the Championship (English football’s second tier) or in the Scottish Premiership, where former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou reigns supreme, are likely options.
Both are very physical competitions – like the A-League – but at a higher technical level than what Kuol has been playing in Down Under.
Multiple reports suggest Howe has had no shortage of offers when it comes to Kuol, so the Toon can take their time figuring out which club is the best fit for their prodigious talent.
The teen was giving a standing ovation after his last match for the Mariners on New Years Eve, which the club won 2-1.
Central Coast Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp (left) shakes Garang Kuol’s hand after the youngster played his last game for the club on New Years Eve prior to heading to the UK to play for EPL giant Newcastle
Central Coast coach Nick Montgomery said he is expecting a chat with Newcastle’s recruitment head Shola Ameobi, and despite needing much more experience, backed his star to shine in Europe.
‘He’s (Kuol) still a boy – he started three games for us and it will be a shock for him physically and pressure wise when he gets over there,’ Montgomery told FTBL of what Kuol’s next steps may be.
‘Hopefully they find a club that suits him – I’m sure they will. He just needs to keep playing now and get plenty of football under his belt.
‘Time will tell for Garang – he has all the potential and now it’s ultimately up to him what happens next. He’s at a great club and that’s vitally important for his development.’
No doubt either way Socceroos supporters will be salivating at the prospect of a fitter, faster, more talented Kuol pulling on the green and gold at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
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