Newcastle United 'official' squad update as 19-year-old signing set for shock debut

Garang Kuol is set to make his Newcastle United debut when Eddie Howe’s squad visit Australia in just under a fortnight’s time.

The 19-year-old is currently on loan at FC Volendam but is due to fly Down Under when the Eredivisie campaign comes to an end on Sunday, May 19 - the same day the Magpies conclude their Premier League season away to Brentford.

As part of 'Global Football Week’ in Melbourne, Newcastle take on Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, May 22 at the world-famous MCG before facing the A-League All Stars two days later at the Marvel Stadium.

And according to the A-League’s social media channels, Kuol has officially been included in the Magpies’ squad. The winger represented the A-League All Stars during his time at Central Coast Mariners, featuring against La Liga giants Barcelona where he earned praise from manager Xavi.

“He did really well,” Xavi said. “He created many chances and almost scored. Seventeen)?… Maybe he’s a big liar! At (17), that’s unbelievable. All the best for him, and all the players.”

Two years on and Kuol has struggled to fulfil his full promise. After joining Newcastle in January 2023, he was immediately loaned to Scottish Premiership side Hearts but amassed just 197 minutes of league action.

Kuol then joined Dutch side FC Volendam on loan for the 2023-24 season but the teenager has started just eight of his 15 league appearances, scoring once. He hasn’t played for Volendam since November and has missed the past two league matches due to an unknown injury.