Garang Kuol talks Newcastle United ahead of transfer finally becoming official

Garang Kuol has been speaking ahead of linking up with new club Newcastle United.

Kuol was signed by the Magpies in late September, agreeing to make the move to the North-East of England from the first day of January, when the window officially opens. Being just 18 years of age, Kuol is not expected to make an immediate impact in Newcastle’s first team, but fans are still excited about his arrival.

The striker is already an Australia international, and he arrives having scored six times in 13 appearances for the Central Coast Mariners senior side. Signings like this one are important for Newcastle as they look to get ahead of the game when it comes to Financial Fair Play. Despite being the richest club in the Premier League, if you only account for owners, Newcastle are not always going to be able to sign big-money talent due to fair play rules, and they need to be able to efficiently buy cheap and young, hoping that young talent can give them a huge return on investment.

While immediate expectations are not sky-high, Kuol himself will believe he can barge his way into Eddie Howe’s plans sooner rather than later, but before then, he will play one last time for current club Central Coast Mariners, taking on Melbourne Victory at home on New Year’s Eve.

And ahead of that one, he sat down for an interview with the club’s media, saying: “Oh yeah, I’m buzzing obviously. I can’t wait to get down there (to Newcastle). And (hopefully) hit the ground running.”

Asked about advice current teammates have given him ahead of his move, he added: “Obviously players like Jason (Cummings) and others, they give me pointers and to keep on working hard (when I get to Newcastle), which is what I plan to do anyway.”