Newcastle United forward Garang Kuol is aiming to advance his professional career by securing regular senior football next season.
After challenging loan spells at Hearts and FC Volendam, the 20-year-old has returned to Newcastle, where he has been featuring for the club’s U21 side.
Born in Egypt to South Sudanese parents who fled conflict, Kuol’s journey from refugee beginnings to professional footballer is a testament to his resilience.
His family eventually resettled in Australia, where Kuol honed his football skills and earned a move to the Premier League.
In a recent interview, Kuol emphasised his desire to play senior football, acknowledging the challenge of breaking into Newcastle’s first team, particularly if they qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
He added that he is uncertain about what lies ahead this summer but remains focused on his long-term goals.
“The most important thing for me is to be able to play (senior) football… it won’t be that easy to jump from the under-21s at Newcastle to a first-team squad which could be in the Champions League,” Kuol told ESPN.
“For the summer, I’m not really sure what’s going to happen in terms of my next move … but I’d say (senior) football is the ultimate goal.”
Kuol’s contract with Newcastle runs until 2026, giving both player and club time to find the right pathway for his development.
His progress is closely watched in Australia, where he is considered one of the country’s most promising young talents.