Premier League giants Newcastle United are signing a player who could become ‘the greatest player ever in Australian history’ in teen sensation Garang Kuol, his Central Coast Mariners coach Sergio Raimundo tells ZeroZero.
High praise indeed.
Egypt-born Kuol only turned 18 a couple of days ago. He has just eight first-team A-League appearances to his name. But Raimundo, who coached the likes of Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo at Benfica, is already convinced that a dazzling young winger with a touch of the Jogo Bonitos about him can surpass the likes of Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Tim Cahill.
“His first touch, his ability one-on-one… he’s very strong in tight spaces and he manages to dribble out. He has a bit of the Brazilian flair,” explains Raimundo of Kuol, who is set to join Newcastle in 2023 despite interest from Borussia Dortmund and Celtic (Sky Sports).
“I warned some clubs in Portugal but they didn’t pay much attention. The feedback was always: ‘The (Australian) league is not very good!’ It’s like Portugal’s fourth division’.
“Now, (signing Kuol) is impossible for Portuguese clubs. Apart from the big three (Benfica, Porto and Sporting Lisbon).”
Newcastle United beat Celtic and Dortmund to Garang Kuol
Kuol caught the eye during a mesmerising performance against none other than Barcelona in pre-season. A display Barca coach Xavi Hernandez dubbed ‘unbelievable’.
“He is a very exciting player. He walks in and everyone in the stadium makes noise,” adds Raimundo, recalling that Camp Nou outing. “I still remember seeing Dani Alves’ face like ‘I can’t believe he’s going to score’!
“There are more temptations around him. If he can get through this phase, if he can handle it, I have no doubt that he will be perhaps the greatest player ever in Australian history!”
Kuol, who has four goals in just eight matches in the Australian top-flight, recently earned his maiden Socceroos cap. He looks certain to secure a place in Graham Arnold’s squad for the Qatar World Cup.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
