Hearts manager Robbie Neilson declared they had snared a player with huge potential after teenage Socceroos star Garang Kuol confirmed his move to the Scottish club.
Kuol has officially completed his loan move from Newcastle United, with the 18-year-old, who played two games at the World Cup in Qatar, set for first-team football in the Scottish competition.
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“It’s no secret that we were extremely interested in him and he came up for a look around last week. He was impressed with what he saw and what we’re trying to do here, which is pleasing,” Neilson said.
“We’re getting a player who is by no means the finished article, but there is a lot of talent there – you don’t get called up to and play in the World Cup for nothing.
“He’ll offer us new options going forward as we look to continue our good form and continue to make progress in the league and in the Scottish Cup, and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”
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Kuol chose Hearts to start his European football journey over a number of suitors and will join former Central Coast Mariners teammate Kye Rowles at the club.
“The gaffer (manager Robbie Neilson) also persuaded me to come here with the plan that he put to me for my development,” Kuol said.
“Overall, the club has great ambitions and goals and that was something I wanted to be involved in. I think it was a very good decision.
“I met all the other lads today and all they seem great lads and I can‘t wait to get to know them more.”
Hearts sporting director Joe Savage said they were “thrilled” to get Kuol.
“His talents were courted by some of the biggest clubs in the continent when he was playing in Australia and he went on to play in the World Cup finals, so to be able to bring such an exciting prospect to Hearts speaks volumes about the appeal of our club,” Savage said.
“We’re all really looking forward to Garang pulling on the maroon jersey and I know our fans will be excited by him too.”
