Newcastle United's latest teenage target, Garang Kuol, has already received the backing of many in the footballing world - including Barcelona manager Xavi. Reports suggest the Magpies may swoop for Kuol, who turns 18 on Thursday, as Dan Ashworth and the club's scouts continue to scour the globe for top, young talent.
The Central Coast Mariners star has been called up to Australia's national side and is tipped to have a bright future for club and country. Socceroos boss Graham Arnold has hailed Kuol's 'great quality and great talent'.
The teenage striker has already given the world a glimpse of what he is capable of after impressing during the second half of the A-Leagues All Stars’ 3-2 defeat to Barcelona earlier in the summer. Even Nou Camp chief Xavi had to give a special mention to Kuol's performance in the friendly clash.
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“He did really well,” Xavi told Network 10 post-match. “He created many chances and almost scored. 17? Maybe he’s a big liar! At (17), that’s unbelievable. All the best for him, and all the players.”
Kuol clearly enjoyed his taste of playing alongside the game's biggest stars, even leaving some of Barcelona's big names scattered across the turf after a mazy run which almost led to a goal for the A-League XI.
Speaking after the game, the youngster admitted it was an amazing experience to go up against the Catalan outfit. “I can be there one day, maybe,” he told Network 10. “That’s the main thing.”
"That’s sort of what I do, you know. I was unlucky I couldn’t score. It was amazing. As a kid it’s all you dream about, playing these top players. I’ve watched (some) of them since I was five… it’s a dream come true.”
Kuol was in Egypt before moving to Australia as a youngster. Reports on Wednesday suggest if Newcastle secure his signature, he would stay with his current club Central Coast Mariners for the rest of the season down under until January.
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