Newcastle United target takes significant step towards January move amid transfer ‘agreement’

Newcastle United target Garang Kuol has taken a significant step in his promising career by making his Australia debut.

The 18-year-old was called up to Graham Arnold’s squad for their double-header with Chris Wood’s New Zealand after starring for A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners.

Kuol was overlooked for the opening fixture in Brisbane before enjoying a 20-minute cameo when the two nations met in Auckland on Sunday.

Australia won both games in preparation for the Qatar World Cup, with Egyptian-born Kuol making an instant impact with a solo run that led to Arnold’s men being awarded a penalty.

Jason Cummings converted to wrap up a 2-0 victory and Arnold praised Kuol afterwards for “showing some quality”.

“He’s a kid, he’s just turned 18. I told just to go out and enjoy himself,” Arnold told beIN Sports. “I just wanted to give him the experience.

“He showed some quality when he came on, but this is just the first step for him.”

Newcastle United’s reported agreement

Magpies fans have kept a keen eye on Kuol after sources in Australia claimed Eddie Howe’s side had verbally agreed a four-year contract with the attacker ahead of the January transfer window.

Making his Australia bow instantly boosts Kuol’s chances of qualifying for a UK work permit. However, Newcastle would likely loan Kuol to a European club to help earn the required points.

Kuol has attracted interest from teams across the continent already after impressing Barcelona boss Xavi when he appeared for the A-League All Stars in their 3-2 defeat to the La Liga giants in May.

“He played really well,” said the Barca legend. “He created many chances, almost scored. For only being 16-year-old, that’s unbelievable.”

A big future ahead

Central Coast Mariners head coach Nick Montgomery stated Kuol has the potential to “become one of the A-League’s most exciting talents in a long time” after signing a two-year professional contract in June.

Montgomery said: “He is a quiet kid off the field but most importantly does his talking on the field, is lethal in front of goal and a player who likes to go at defenders 1v1 and we saw that with the performances he produced off the bench at the back end of last season,

“Garang isn’t fazed by anything and is very level-headed, which is why he made Barcelona seem like an easy assignment and in the process, being an inspiration for all kids in this country. It gave our club great pride to see him make the match his own.

“I look forward to working with him for the next two years at the club and developing him further to become one of the A-League’s most exciting talents in a long time.”