Teen Socceroos sensation Garang Kuol has officially departed the Central Coast Mariners to join Premier League club Newcastle United.
But his sensational performances at the World Cup in Qatar, where the 18-year-old became Australia’s youngest-ever men’s competitor in the Socceroos’ six tournament appearances, could have a massive impact on his immediate future.
Newcastle announced the signing of Kuol on a four-year deal in September, but had to wait until January 1 to make his transfer official.
While not publicly revealed, reports have stated the transfer fee was either £300,000 ($A530,000) or £600,000 ($A1,060,000).
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Kuol is set to fly to the UK today, but is almost certain to depart the club on loan in the this month’s transfer window as he continues his rapid development.
However, FTBL reports that Kuol has been granted a UK work permit due to his two appearances at the World Cup.
Having only debuted for the Socceroos in September, his lack of appearances at club and international level meant a work permit was unlikely to be granted.
Kuol was subsequently expected to be loaned out to a club in Europe, which typically have less strict restrictions on foreign players.
FTBL claims that Kuol has even begun to learn Portuguese in anticipation of a possible move to that country. The Telegraph (UK) reported in early December that Kuol was set to be loaned to either Portugal or Germany, with a second loan to England’s second tier in 2023-24 a possibility.
But earning a work permit would permit Kuol to be loaned to a lower-division English team, such as the Championship, or to Scotland. The physicality of those leagues would provide a massive boost in the prodigy’s development – while it would also keep him much closer to his cashed-up Premier League side.
According to multiple reports, Newcastle has received a flood of interest in the Australian tyro.
Asked if Kuol will train with the senior squad or go out on loan, Newcastle coach Eddie Howe said overnight: “It’s a possibility (Garang could train with us).
“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.”
Kuol finished his time in Australia in the Mariners’ 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory on New Year’s Eve, playing 78 minutes before earning a standing ovation from the Central Coast fans. It was just his third-ever senior start.
Kuol scored seven times in 22 senior appearances for the Mariners, with two goals and three assists in eight league appearances this season.
