The remarkable rise of Shepparton soccer export Garang Kuol reached new heights on Friday with a transfer to English Premier League giant Newcastle United confirmed.
Coming less than a week after the talented 18-year-old made his debut for the Socceroos, Kuol will depart A-League club Central Coast Mariners for England’s north-east in the January transfer window, with a loan move from Tyneside almost certain.
A former Goulburn Valley Sun, Kuol was a shining light off the bench in the second half of the 2021-22 A-League Men season, scoring four goals on his way to selection for the A-League All Stars.
Many will credit Kuol’s inclusion in the All-Star game against Barcelona as a catalyst for his rapid rise, with the player going from virtual unknown to Australia’s next big thing.
In his first interview with his new club Kuol told nufc.co.uk it was “unreal” to be making the move to the Premier League.
“As a young boy in Australia, the Premier League is the main thing that everyone watches, but nobody actually thinks they'll reach those heights,” Kuol said.
“To be one of those people, to be in the position I am, it's amazing.
"Now that I've signed for Newcastle, I want to train hard, play hard, hopefully go to the World Cup and come back here."
The transfer has Kuol join older brother Alou plying his trade in Europe, with Alou currently based at VFB Stuggart in the German Bundesliga.
Reflecting on the club’s focus on youth Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth was full of praise for the Magpies’ new signing.
“Garang is a very promising young talent and we are excited that he'll be continuing his development as a Newcastle United player,” Ashworth said.
"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."
With the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar now little more than a month away, Kuol will be hoping to produce more eye-catching performances as the A-League Men’s season kicks off on Friday night.