Newcastle beat Barcelona to impressive Garang Kuol signing, and plan for record-setting striker is already laid out

Newcastle have signed Australian striker sensation Garang Kuol from Central Coast Mariners after fending off stiff competition, and his immediate plans have been revealed.

Newcastle’s interest in the 18-year-old wonderkid emerged at the beginning of the week. Sky Sports led the way, claiming the Magpies’ search for the best young talent in the world led them down under.

Central Coast Mariners striker, Garang Kuol, emerged in their sights, though Newcastle weren’t the only admirer.

Celtic and Borussia Dortmund were both in the mix and both had advantages.

Celtic had the Australian connection given their manager is Ange Postecoglou. Dortmund, meanwhile, have developed a well-earned reputation as being the perfect place for young talent to thrive.

The Daily Mail late claimed Stuttgart and Barcelona were in the mix too. Stuttgart had the advantage of having Garang Kuol’s brother, Alou, on their books. The appeal of joining Barcelona does not need explaining.

However, Newcastle have cast their competition aside and completed a deal to sign the talented forward.

The move was confirmed via their official website and the player hinted the lure of the Premier League was a deciding factor.

Signing for Newcastle “unreal” – Garang Kuol

“It’s unreal,” said Garang Kuol. “As a young boy in Australia, the Premier League is the main thing that everyone watches but nobody actually thinks they’ll reach those heights.

“To be one of those people, to be in the position I am, it’s amazing.

“Now that I’ve signed for Newcastle, I want to train hard, play hard, hopefully go to the World Cup and come back here.”

Newcastle United sporting director, Dan Ashworth stressed the addition of one of the world’s hottest prospects is representative of the club’s vision for the future.

“Garang is a very promising young talent and we are excited that he’ll be continuing his development as a Newcastle United player,” said Ashworth.

“Our philosophy is to invest in our Academy and in exciting young players for the future, as well as in players required to make an immediate impact in the first team.

“We wish Garang the best of luck in his remaining games with Central Coast Mariners and we hope to see him on the international stage again very soon.”

Aussie sensation troubling records

Garang Kuol hit the headlines last week when becoming the sixth-youngest player to make their senior debut for Australia.

The Central Coast Mariners sensation made a 20-minute cameo against New Zealand on Sunday aged just 18 years and nine days.

He also became the youngest Aussie star to receive a senior call-up since Harry Kewell in 1996.

However, Garang Kuol’s talents have been on show long before his international bow.

He notched an incredible four goals in just 145 minutes of action for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League last season.

That resulted in a call-up for an A-League all-stars clash against Barcelona over the summer where the youngster impressed Xavi.

“He played really well,” said the Barcelona boss. “He created many chances, almost scored.

“For only being a 17-year-old, that’s unbelievable.”

Yet it is Newcastle who have won the race, with the Daily Mail previously suggesting he’ll cost just a bargain £300,000.

The newspaper claimed he was likely to be loaned out straight away upon signing. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that plan of action, tweeting Garang Kuol will remain on loan at Central Coast Mariners for the time being.