Hearts manager Robbie Neilson admits he would jump at the chance to sign ‘huge prospect’ Garang Kuol on loan from Premier League high-flyers Newcastle United, speaking to the Edinburgh News.
On Wednesday morning, one of world football’s most exciting teenage forwards set hearts racing at Tynecastle. On his official Instagram account, Kuol posted a photo of himself arriving at Heart of Midlothian’s training ground, flanked by Shola Ameobi – Newcastle’s loan co-ordinator.
The 18-year-old Australia international will leave St James’ Park on a short-term basis this month as he awaits a work permit allowing him to feature in the Premier League.
And Kuol, likened to Kylian Mbappe and labelled an ‘unbelievable’ talent by Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, could take Scottish football by storm. Providing, of course, he thrives where Amad Diallo failed by adapting to a physical and fast-placed environment.
Newcastle United’s Australia wonderkid Garang Kuol could join Hearts on loan
“He’s a player we’re interested in,” explains Neilson. “So he came up for a look around with his agent. (Kuol has) got a number of clubs that are very interested in him.
“He’s a huge prospect. He’s one we’ve known about for quite a long time because he comes from the same team as (Hearts’ Australia international) Kye Rowles was at.
“The opportunity came to speak to him, so we brought him up and we’ll see where it goes. It’s still at the very early stages. It will depend what other clubs are in for him.
“We’d love to get him here. But we’ll just have to wait and see because he’s an 18-year-old who has been playing at the World Cup. I’m sure there will be a lot of suitors.”
Egypt-born Kuol scored six times in just 18 Australia A-League games. And, during the Socceroos World Cup defeat to Argentina, he became the youngster player since Pepe in 1958 to feature in the tournament’s knockout stages.
“He’s getting hyped up everywhere. He’s a good lad. Away from football as well, he’s just a normal kid. He’s a good lad and he’s humble,” explains Aussie team-mate Jason Cummings, formerly of Rangers and Hibernian.
“With all this hype, he keeps his feet on the ground. He doesn’t let it get to him. He’s taking everything in his stride.
“Everyone can see how good a player he is. Even when he comes on for like 20 minutes, you can see glimpses and he’s a world-class player. He’s only 18 so he’s got a bright future.”
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