Shepparton soccer sensation Garang Kuol is on the cusp of moving to the English Premier League, with the former Goulburn Valley Sun in talks with Newcastle United.
According to multiple reports, it was revealed on Wednesday evening that Newcastle had agreed in principle with Kuol’s current club ― Central Coast Mariners ― to sign the exciting talent.
Regarded as the richest club in the world thanks to a recent take over by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Newcastle is a giant of English soccer, with world famous players such as Alan Shearer, Paul Gascoigne, Demba Ba, Hatem Ben Arfa and Andy Carroll all donning the black and white stripes.
It is believed Kuol has made the journey to England’s north-east to discuss personal terms of the contract, with the club to officially sign the talent in the January transfer window before sending him out on loan.
The news caps a remarkable month for Kuol, which has included a Socceroos debut against New Zealand and his 18th birthday.
A live-wire talent, Kuol rose to national prominence at Central Coast Mariners in April ― adding to his FFA Cup (now the Australia Cup) appearances with an A-League debut.
Scoring on debut as a substitute against Wellington, Kuol soon became a regular off the bench for the Gosford side, finding his second goal against local rival Newcastle Jets and hitting a winner against Western United.
Ending the A-League season with four goals and one assist, the youngster gained further plaudits when selected for the A-League All Stars in May, with Kuol taking it up to Spanish club FC Barcelona in a friendly match.
While official word from Newcastle United is yet to be released, it is now all but certain Kuol is set to join his older brother Alou playing in Europe ― and soccer fans in Shepparton should be excited.