In-bound Newcastle United signing earns World Cup call up as Eddie Howe hopes to ’see him sooner’

Garang Kuol has been named in Australia’s 26-man squad for the Qatar World Cup ahead of officially joining Newcastle United in January. Socceroos boss Graham Arnold described the teenage forward as someone that can “change a game” and “has zero fear”.

The Magpies announced the signing of the 18-year-old in September after agreeing a fee with Central Coast Mariners. Kuol watched the 4-1 win at Fulham from the away end before returning to the A-League club until the New Year.

The 18-year-old, although is yet to start a game for the Mariners, is recognised as one of Australia’s brightest young talents after consistently impacting matches as a substitute. He even impressed Barcelona boss Xavi in an A-League All-Stars friendly earlier this year.

A number of European clubs showed interest in Kuol, however it was Newcastle who won the race. Kuol will now have the opportunity to build on his one-cap for Australia and catch the eye on the world’s biggest international stage.

Eddie Howe reacts to Garang Kuol’s World Cup call-up

“(I’m) really pleased for him personally,” Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said. “He’s doing very well, we’re really pleased with his progress. The call-up I know was something he was really passionate about and hopeful for when I spoke to him.

“He’s done enough to secure that call-up, so I’m delighted. We hope he can be involved in the World Cup and have real impact that will hopefully help us see him sooner.”

Indeed, Kuol does not yet qualify for a UK work permit, however his involvement at the World Cup will likely strengthen his case. Howe previously told NewcastleWorld Kuol would likely be loaned out in the meantime.

“I’d say at the moment the plan would probably be, and these things can change, to go on a loan spell from January,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “Where that is at the moment, I’ve got no idea.

“We’re working through various options but things can change regarding his involvement in the World Cup if he’s selected.

“There are lots of moving parts to that one as well.”

Howe added: “He’s a young player with huge potential. It’s a show from myself and the club on where we want to go in terms of signing young players and trying to develop them in our system for them to be Premier League players in the future.

“He’s had a dramatic rise and he’s in a position that excites everybody. There needs to be some patience shown. Touch wood we’ll look after him, go out on loan and develop behind the scenes. Hopefully when he comes here, he can play a part in our future.”

Garang Kuol’s career so far

Kuol and his brother Alou, now at Bundesliga side Stuttgart, started out at Shepparton in Victoria before joining the Mariners. And after instantly impressing at under-16s level, it wasn’t long before Kuol made his professional debut in a 6-0 FFA Cup win over APIA Leichhard in December 2021.

Kuol has remained a part of the senior set-up ever since and scored on his A-League debut with virtually his first touch against Wellington Phoenix in April this year.