Garang Kuol has officially joined Hearts on loan until the end of the season.
The Newcastle United forward has agreed a temporary move to Edinburgh, having just arrived in the UK after his transfer from Central Coast Mariners.
There is a lot of buzz surrounding the 18-year-old, but the plan was always to send him out on loan. That is exactly what has happened, with Hearts winning the race to secure his signature.
Robbie Neilson’s side faced competition from clubs in the Championship, but their Aussie contingent gave them an edge in convincing Kuol north of the border.
In Hearts’ official announcement, they state that the deal is subject to international clearance. That will cast doubt over whether or not he is able to make his debut against St Mirren on Friday night.
While Hearts fans will be keen to see their new man in action, there is plenty of football to be played between now and the end of the season, so missing out tonight would not be the end of the world.
The main thing for the Scottish side is that they have signed an incredibly talented youngster. As for Newcastle, they will hope that they have sent him to the right place.
Mehrdad Ghodoussi’s message after Garang Kuol’s Hearts loan is confirmed
Once the deal was completed, Hearts posted a series of photos and videos on social media. Many of them focussed on Kuol’s international allegiance, leaning on the fact he becomes the fourth Australian in the squad.
There was also the traditional scarf picture, as the teenager posed in his new shirt.
In response to the picture on Twitter, Newcastle co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi delivered a message.
He wrote: “Take real good care of him.”
That will be Newcastle’s hope, as they look to ensure Kuol continues his development. The Magpies beat some top clubs to sign the youngster, but he is still very raw. He doesn’t have a lot of experience in senior football, and hopefully that will change over the next six months.
Toon Sporting Director Dan Ashworth will no doubt be tracking his progress closely, as he plots a route for Kuol to eventually become a first-team player at St James’ Park.
That is the overall goal – Kuol playing and possibly starring in the Premier League for Newcastle. But to get there, he needs this loan spell.
Hopefully it goes well for Kuol in Edinburgh, and Toon fans will be looking out for him whenever Hearts are on the television.
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