New signing spotted at Fulham as Newcastle United confirm agreement

Garang Kuol watched Newcastle United’s 4-1 victory at Fulham from the away end, just over 24 hours after signing for the club.

It was announced on Friday morning that the Magpies had signed the 18-year-old from A-League side Central Coast Mariners.

The transfer will be made official in January when Kuol, who made his Australia debut last Sunday, is expected to be loaned out amid work permit issues.

United beat a number of European clubs to Kuol’s signature and the Egyptian-born attacker has wasted no time in embracing his new club.

Garang Kuol spotted in Craven Cottage away end

Kuol was pictured among the 2,300 travelling supporters at Craven Cottage, who cheered their team onto a 4-1 win.

Indeed, Newcastle fans will hope it isn’t long until Kuol is on the pitch, with the player viewed as one of Australia’s brightest young talents

“Garang is a very promising young talent and we are excited that he’ll be continuing his development as a Newcastle United player,” Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth said.

“Our philosophy is to invest in our Academy and in exciting young players for the future, as well as in players required to make an immediate impact in the first team.

“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.”

Kuol will return down under for the remainder of the year, although has his sights on making the Socceroos World Cup squad.

Should Kuol feature in Qatar, that would benefit his chances of gaining a UK work permit sooner rather than later.

Kuol is no doubt eager to get going on Tyneside, but head coach Eddie Howe has warned that patience towards his development must be shown.

“I remember watching this beautiful stadium years ago and thinking ‘wow, imagine playing there’, Kuol said. “It’s a massive stadium, with a beautiful structure to it. It’s unreal.

“The city is a one club city. There’s a lot passion and a lot to play for.

“As a young boy in Australia, the Premier League is the main thing everybody watches but no one actually thinks they could reach those heights.

“To be one of those people to be in the position I’m in right now is very lucky. It’s amazing.”