According to Sky Sports, Barcelona are very interested in Newcastle wonderkid Garang Kuol.
Why Barcelona admire Newcastle gem Garang Kuol
Well, the Magpies have only just signed the 18-year-old from Central Coast Mariners in a deal worth £300,000.
However, Sky Sports believe he remains on the radar of Barcelona, despite the Spanish giants missing out on the Australia international.
In a live report, it was said: “Barcelona are one of the clubs rumoured to be very interested in the young striker, but Newcastle and the hierarchy there have beaten off competitions from others.”
Interest from Barcelona may come down to the fact that Kuol actually played against the Spanish giants in a friendly for the Central Coast Mariners earlier this year, with his impressive cameo drawing praise from Xavi.
As quoted by the Chronicle, the 42-year-old said: “He did really well. He created many chances and almost scored. He’s 17? Maybe he’s a big liar! At 17, that’s unbelievable.”
Newcastle will officially welcome Kuol to the first-team squad in January when the transfer will be finalised, although the expectation is that the teenager will be loaned out by the Magpies.
The Australian wonderkid scored four goals in his seven substitute appearances for the Central Coast Mariners after signing a professional contract.
Newcastle fending off Barcelona speaks volumes
In our view, this is a huge indicator that Newcastle are rapidly growing in stature across Europe.
Barcelona are famed for developing young talent such as Xavi, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati, so Kuol was surely tempted to join the Spanish giants.
However, Newcastle won the race, suggesting that Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth have something special up their sleeves at St James’ Park.
According to The Age, Chelsea also expressed an interest in Kuol, so the Magpies really have done well to secure his signature.
Hopefully, Newcastle find the Australian a beneficial loan move in January, and he can fulfil his vast potential on Tyneside.
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