Garang Kuol will officially become a Newcastle United player in January, and is doing plenty of preparation for his move to England.
The youngster agreed a transfer from Central Coast Mariners to Newcastle back in late September. It felt like a real coup from the Magpies, who fought off some major sides to secure Kuol’s signature.
The teenager is a player with huge potential, and has been tipped to go right to the top.
He doesn’t have a lot of experience, but he has done a lot with the limited minutes he has played. His goals and assists ratio in the A League is fantastic, while he also impressed on his debut for Australia.
That has led to him winning a place in Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad for the World Cup in Qatar. He could make his first ever appearance at a major tournament tonight when Australia take on reigning champions France.
There will be real buzz from Toon fans if Kuol does come on, and it will be interesting to see if he has learned anything from a particular player from Newcastle’s past that he has been watching.
Kuol watching Asprilla ahead of Newcastle move
According to the Athletic, the 18-year-old has been watching videos of Tino Asprilla ahead of his move to Tyneside.
The Colombian forward was adored at St James’ Park, and was the type of player who dazzled fans with his ability and skill.
Asprilla was part of Kevin Keegan’s legendary ‘Entertainers’ team, and he was certainly that. While his celebrations and antics off the pitch caught the headlines, his ability was undeniable.
In the words of former Magpie Robbie Elliott, Asprilla provided that ‘unpredictability‘ and ‘unlocked teams‘.
That is what Kuol will hope to do in a black and white shirt. He is clearly an exciting talent. His speed on the break is exhilarating, whilst he has also shown composure in the final third when called upon.
He will take some finetuning. The youngster is obviously a very raw player. But the potential is there for all to see.
If he can dazzle the Newcastle fans of today like Asprilla did in the 90s then it will be a joy to watch him.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
