Who is Garang Kuol? Newcastle United set to sign player hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by Barcelona legend

Newcastle United are set to sign teenage star Garang Kuol from Central Coast Mariners, according to reports in Australia.

BeIN Sport claim the Magpies have verbally agreed a four-year contract with the 17-year-old, who is attracting interest from multiple European clubs.

Here, NewcastleWorld takes an in-depth look at Kuol and what’s being said about him ahead of a potential switch to St James’ Park.

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.

With the limelight well and truly on the teenager, the Mariners have continued to use Kuol mainly as a substitute, where he boasts the incredible record of four goals in just 189 minutes.

Egyptian-born Kuol was awarded a two-year professional contract in June, however that has failed to put off admiring clubs across the globe.

Earning praise from Barcelona legend

Following his breakthrough season, Kuol was called up to the A-League All Stars squad to face Barcelona and their manager Xaxi Hernandez spoke highly of the player.

“He played really well,” said the Barca boss. “He created many chances, almost scored. For only being 17-year-old, that’s unbelievable.”

Kuol was introduced from off the bench as the A-League All Stars lost 3-2 to the La Liga giants.

What Garang Kuol has said

After opting to commit his future to the Mariners despite interest emerging from oversees, Kuol said: “Monty [Nick Montgomery] and Serg [Sergio Raimundo – Assistant Coach] have had belief in me since day one which something I will never forget.

“Football is my number one goal in life so I just want to be playing consistently and I am very excited to be here alongside a great bunch of boys and can’t wait for next season.

“This is only the start for me and I am keen to develop more, learn more and become a better player under Monty and Serg.”

What people have said about Garang Kuol

Central Coast Mariners head coach Nick Montgomery says Kuol has the potential to “become one of the A-League’s most exciting talents in a long time.”

He 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.”

Maiden call up the Australia national team

Earlier this week, Kuol received his first international call up for Australia’s double-header with New Zealand.

“He’s showed great quality and great talent,” Socceroos boss Graham Arnold explained. “I truly believe our kids have got it here in Australia and it’s just getting the opportunity. Up front is an area of the pitch where we need players.

“If you have pace and can put the ball in the back of the net ... I’m more than prepared to have a look at you.”