World Cup winger spotted with Newcastle United squad ahead of January transfer decision
Garang Kuol scored his first goal in Newcastle United colours last week.
The 20-year-old was part of the under-21s squad that travelled to Southampton on Friday and scored to make it 1-1 in what ended in a 4-2 defeat.
Indeed, it was only Kuol’s third appearance in what has proven to be an injury-hit start to the campaign. Now back fit, the Magpies are assessing his future ahead of a potential loan move.
Viewed as one of Australia’s most exciting prospects after impressing at the Qatar World Cup, Newcastle beat several clubs to Kuol’s signature when they signed him from Central Coast Mariners two years ago.
He was immediately loaned to Scottish Premiership side Hearts before spending the 2023-24 campaign on loan at FC Volendam in the Netherlands - but neither move proved successful.
Kuol linked up with Eddie Howe’s squad for their post-season trip to his homeland last May and was subject to fanfare as he featured in games against Tottenham Hotspur and A-League All Stars. It was in Melbourne where Howe confirmed the club’s intention to loan him out again ahead of the current campaign.
“He’s had a couple of loan spells now and I think he needs the next one to be a successful one,” said Howe. “He needs more game time for that happen.”
The summer started well for Kuol as he gained further first-team experience by playing the second half in Newcastle’s win over SpVgg Unterhaching at Adidas’ HQ in Herzogenaurach. He was also due to travel to Toyko but stayed because of a thigh issue.
A quad injury later in the summer then prevented the winger from leaving on loan amid solid interest from clubs in England, Belgium and Portugal. As a result, Kuol has been restricted to a handful of appearances for the under-21s.
With two weeks of the January transfer window remaining, Newcastle will consider loan offers.
Asked about Kuol’s future recently, Howe said: That will depend on physical things and how Garang is. I know he's working really hard and we've seen him a few times when we've involved the [Under-21s] in our training.
“He's a great lad who wants to do well and is very ambitious so let's see what's next for him.”