Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted that Garang Kuol needs another loan spell away from St James’ Park next season.
Kuol has been on loan at Hearts since January, and scored his first goal for the club on Wednesday. He netted a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Rangers.
It was great to see the 18-year-old get his first goal, but it patches over what has been a difficult loan spell for the teenager. He has struggled for minutes at Hearts, although Kuol has admitted that he has been happy with the experience.
With just one game left to play, Kuol’s attentions will soon turn to next season, and it sounds like another temporary spell away from Tyneside is on the horizon.
Eddie Howe thinks it is ‘too early’ for Garang Kuol to play for Newcastle
Ahead of the game against Chelsea, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked for his reaction to Kuol’s midweek goal and what the future holds for the youngster.
“We’re really pleased he scored,” he said.
“We’re delighted for him. It’s been a tough loan spell for him but hopefully some real positivity to take into the summer.
“It’s probably too early to be part of our first team picture next year and I think another loan spell will do him good as he continues to develop to the pace of this league.”
Newcastle need to pick the right club for Kuol
Howe is right. It is certainly too early for Kuol to play a part in the first-team. He would likely struggle for minutes – especially with Newcastle set to compete in the Champions League.
With Howe’s side required to play at an elite level domestically and in Europe now, he might struggle to give youngsters opportunities.
While Kuol is a major talent with a huge amount of potential, he is not ready yet to play a part in black and white. If he was, he would not have struggled so much for minutes in a Hearts shirt.
Sending him out on loan is the right decision, but the club need to make sure they get the destination right. He needs to go somewhere he is going to play, ideally to a club who have the same ideals as Howe’s Newcastle. That would really aid his development and help him on his journey towards becoming a first-team player on Tyneside.