Newcastle United’s first signing of 2023 will be Garang Kuol – and he is causing a lot of excitement on Tyneside.
The Magpies agreed a deal for the 18-year-old back in September. He will officially become a Toon player on January 1st, signing for £600,000 from Central Coast Mariners.
The Australian wonderkid has had a 2022 to remember, bursting onto the scene in the A League, making his international debut, going to the World Cup and signing for Newcastle.
It is getting better and better for Kuol, a player who has a huge amount of potential.
Newcastle hope he can become a superstar at St James’ Park, and he is being tipped for a very bright future.
Garang Kuol is one of the 100 most exciting youngsters in the world right now
Since 2011, a list of the 100 most exciting young players has been released by a website called In Bed With Maradona. It was first called the IBWM100, and now it is known as the HUNDRED following a rebrand. It is very highly thought of, and the list for the following year is now available.
It is a definitive list of the emerging stars who could be set for an exciting 12 months, and the 2023 edition includes Kuol.
The forward features on the list alongside World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez and Newcastle transfer target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
At the end of 2023, the HUNDRED list will be revisited by its writers, looking back at how their entries got on. But what will they write about Kuol?
That may largely depend on what happens to him next month. The speedster is expected to leave Newcastle on loan straight away, although it is unclear where he will be heading. Options include Germany, Portugal or even staying in England and heading to the Championship.
Where he goes will be down to Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth. They will be the ones tasked with ensuring Kuol makes the necessary progress, as he gears up to hopefully become a Premier League star in black and white.
He nearly made a real name for himself earlier this month. He had the chance to score a dramatic equaliser against Argentina in the World Cup knockout stages, but his effort was saved by Emi Martinez.
But he showcased the raw tools that have seen him shoot to stardom, and there is obviously a lot more to come from the young Aussie.
Newcastle have already agreed a deal to buy Kuol – here’s hoping they are going to unearth a gem.
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