Future star ‘embracing everything to do with Newcastle United’ ahead of January transfer move

It’s not often you hear of players standing with supporters at away games - but that is exactly what Garang Kuol did, just over 24 hours after joining Newcastle United.

The 18-year-old flew to Tyneside last week to finalise his move from Central Coast Mariners ahead of the transfer officially being ratified in January.

In the meantime, Kuol will remain in Australia until New Year. However, before returning down under, the forward took a detour to London to watch the Magpies’ 4-1 win at Fulham among the 2,300 travelling fans.

And Kuol’s appearance went down well with head coach Eddie Howe, who praised the player for “embracing everything to do with Newcastle”.

“It shows the type of lad that he is,” the 44-year-old said. “I think he is embracing everything to do with Newcastle and I’d encourage that.

“Being amongst the supporters, he’ll have a huge feeling of what Newcastle means now to the supporters. He’ll have got to experience first-hand the passion and feeling.

“That will help him with what he’s doing currently to know what is ahead for him.”

Kuol is expected to be loaned to a European club in January to help strengthen his case for a UK work permit as he does not automatically qualify for one.

Indeed, Newcastle are prepared to play the long game for Kuol, who, according to former youth coach Craig Carley, has the potential to become one of the best players in the world.

“He’ll have a good role model in (Allan) Saint-Maximin at Newcastle.

(He’s) very, very similar in terms of pace. He loves to beat a man and drive into the box. He’s got that X-Factor.

“Someone like (Kylian) Mbappe, it’s a big call but that’s how high I believe he can go. I believe he can be one of the best players in the world.

“He’s just so direct and loves to beat a man, drive into the box, score and create goals.

“It’s scintillating to see, he’s going to be a star. I really do believe he will go on to be one of the best players in the world.”