Newcastle United were dealt a bitter blow in the transfer window after Brighton’s Joao Pedro opted to sign for Premier League rivals Chelsea this summer.
It is a bitter blow for the Magpies, who appeared just a few million pounds off landing one of their top targets this summer. However, it was really far from the case.
Joao Pedro always wanted to join Chelsea over Newcastle United, despite reports suggesting that he was open to joining the Magpies after nearly signing from Watford in 2022. The Brazilian will link up with Enzo Maresca’s side at the Club World Cup in America after having a medical in his home country.
Eddie Howe will be disheartened by Pedro’s move to Chelsea, but the Newcastle manager and his recruitment team will surely have alternative options in place.
While Pedro completes a move to Chelsea, Howe has a youngster in Newcastle’s academy who could save the club millions this summer – he’s ready for his chance to shine in the first team.
Garang Kuol during Newcastle United U21s vs Nottingham Forest U21s
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Garang Kuol could be Newcastle United’s Joao Pedro alternative
The Magpies need a hero, and Australian attacker Garang Kuol could be just what Howe is looking for. At 20 years old, Kuol has overcome two torrid loan spells away from the Magpies and made a name for himself in the academy last season, scoring five goals in 10 games.
After a great run of form earlier in the year, Newcastle fans called for Kuol to be promoted to the first team as they believed he would make a positive impact.
Now seems like the right time to bring him up, having joined in January 2023. Kuol is yet to make his competitive senior debut for the Magpies, despite former Under-21s head coach Diarmuid O’Carroll referring to him as a “project” player (The Athletic).
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With pre-season on the horizon, Kuol has the opportunity to impress Howe and show why he should be in consideration for a place in Newcastle’s first-team squad for the 2024/25 season. The Australian international can play as a striker or on the left wing, and should be able to play as a shadow striker if Howe trains him.
READ MORE:Who is Garang Kuol? Height, Position, Transfer, Family and More
Garang Kuol’s Newcastle United future is in doubt amid calls for him to enter the first team
While we think Kuol would be brilliant in Newcastle’s first team, there needs to be a resolution on his future sooner rather than later. Kuol’s Newcastle contract runs out in 2026, so the club must enter contract negotiations with him or they risk leaving him on a free transfer at the end of next season.
Additionally, Kuol himself has hinted that he could leave Newcastle, with the 20-year-old saying that he is aware of how important it is to play consistent first-team football.
2024/25 Premier League 2 statistics Garang Kuol
Appearances 10
Goals 5
Assists 4
The Australian national team manager also urged Kuol to leave Newcastle, saying that he will have a better chance of getting into the squad if he is away from the Magpies.
There was a lot of hype around Kuol when he originally arrived. His loan spells have made that hype die down slightly, but a bright pre-season will make fans realise what a talent they have on their hands at Newcastle.