Newcastle United and Central Coast Mariners are negotiating a contract with teen forward Garang Kuol.
The 17-year-old, who will turn 18 next week, was just drafted into Australia’s squad for two upcoming friendlies against rival New Zealand and is expected to play. He is also now being predicted to make their World Cup roster.
Kuol is now close to finalising a deal with Premier League powerhouse Newcastle, which comes at a crucial time for the Mariners as they hope to soon reach an agreement.
Kuol, whose brother Alou plays for Stuttgart, has already reached an agreement with his agents regarding the transfer to Newcastle and is scheduled to make the move to Tyneside in January.
Currently, the intention is for Kuol to relocate to Newcastle before being loaned out to the continent; however, should he be selected for Australia’s World Cup squad, he may actually be granted a work permit. But that is a choice that will be made in the future.
Kuol, who was born in Egypt before his family immigrated to Australia when he was a young child, scored five goals in ten games in his first season in the A-League, though he has not yet made an appearance for the Mariners.
The teen, however, is confident that he is prepared to play for Australia at the international level despite his young age.
“Regardless of age, if you just go in full guns blazing wanting to prove yourself, and be ruthless, you can achieve whatever you want,” he told the Syndey Morning Herald as he was confirmed in the squad.
“It’s a huge privilege to be here. It’s a proud moment for me and my family. I just want to prove myself and keep moving forward.”
