Socceroos star Garang Kuol gets a boost ahead of the English Premier League move to Newcastle United

Amazing Socceroos sensation Garang Kuol has been given an unlikely boost ahead of his move to English Premier League (EPL) giants Newcastle United that could drastically change his immediate future.

The 18-year-old has reportedly landed a coveted UK work permit – which he wasn’t originally supposed to get early – thanks to his two appearances for Australia at the recent World Cup, according to the FTBL.

That means the former Central Coast Mariners prodigy, plucked from obscurity in the country of Victoria, forced to bid out his time in a European league such as the Primeira Liga in Portugal, is likely to be loaned out to a UK-based club.

Socceroos sensation Garang Kuol signed for EPL giants Newcastle last September and left Australia on Tuesday to join the club. buoyed by some big news

The exciting striker has the world at his exceptionally talented feet and left Australia to join Newcastle on Tuesday after the EPL giants agreed a $525,000 transfer fee with the Mariners in September.

Given that the teenager only made his Socceroos debut in September and still only has a handful of A-League games to his name, it was unlikely he would be given a work permit immediately.

Turns out Garang Kuol will get a UK work permit – something he didn’t expect given his inexperience… but guest appearances at the World Cup with the Socceroos seem to have made a big difference

That all changed when his electric talent and potential were on display for all to see on Qatar’s biggest stage.

Had a splinter in Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s controversial bicep failed to get in the way of Kuol’s brilliant spin and shot in the dying seconds of Socceroo’s round of 16, we could have even more praise for the exciting youngster.

However, Kuol is still very raw and has started in just three senior games for Central Coast, so Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said the priority for the Magpies’ signing is playing time to speed up his development.

“It’s a possibility (Garang could train with us),” he told reporters on Monday.

“But I think for the player’s development he has to go and play.

“If possible, that would be at a very good level, with a good club and a good coach. That’s not a decision that’s been made at this point, so we need to review all of our options,” Howe said.

Garang Kuol signed for Newcastle United in September for a fee of US$525,000. Despite leaving Australia to join the club on Tuesday, he is expected to be loaned out almost immediately in a bid to gain valuable experience and playing time

Garang Kuol made two substitute appearances for the Socceroos at the World Cup, appearances that were crucial in securing a coveted work permit

The EPL’s transfer window remains open until the end of the month, meaning Kuol is likely to be loaned out to another British club in the coming weeks.

A stint in the Championship (the tier below the EPL) or the Scottish Premier League, led by former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, are likely options.

Both are very physical competitions – like the A-League – but at a far, far higher technical level than what Kuol played Down Under.

Multiple reports suggest Howe hasn’t had a shortage of offers when it comes to Kuol, allowing the Toons to take their time trying to figure out which club best suits their amazing talent.

The teenager gave a standing ovation after his last game for the Mariners on New Year’s Eve, which the club won 2-1.

Central Coast Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp (left) shakes hands with Garang Kuol after the youngster played his last game for the club on New Year’s Eve before traveling to the UK to play for EPL giants Newcastle

Central Coast manager Nick Montgomery said he was expecting a talk with Newcastle’s recruiting boss Shola Ameobi and while he needed a lot more experience he was backing his star to shine in Europe.

“He (Kuol) is just a boy – he’s started three games for us and it’s going to be a physical and typographic shock for him when he gets over there,” Montgomery told FTBL of what could be Kuol’s next steps.

“Hopefully they find a club that suits him – I’m sure of that. He just has to keep playing and get a lot of football going.

“Time will tell for Garang – he has all the potential and now it’s ultimately up to him what happens next. He’s at a great club and that’s crucial for his development.

No doubt Socceroos supporters will rhapsodize at the prospect of a fitter, faster and more talented Kuol heading to the green and gold at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.