Newcastle United have confirmed the young forward, who appeared at the 2022 World Cup, has left the club.
Garang Kuol has left Newcastle United on a permanent basis, just two-and-a-half years after arriving to a fanfare.
Kuol was widely recognised as Australia’s most exciting young talent after he featured at the Qatar World Cup less than a couple of months before his move to Newcastle from Central Coast Mariners in January 2023.
At 18 years old, Kuol became Australia’s youngest ever player at a World Cup and also the youngest player to feature in a World Cup knockout match since Pele in 1958.
But for all the promise that surrounded his arrival, the forward struggled to live up to expectations.
Kuol had frustrating loan spells at Hearts and Volendam before a thigh injury last summer put the blocks on a third loan move last summer. He instead stayed within the under-21s set up and despite impressing, couldn’t break into the senior picture bar the odd training session.
Another loan spell had been mooted this summer but the Magpies and the player have opted to part ways permanently, reuniting with former under-21s boss Diarmuid O’Carroll at Czech side Sparta Prague.
Newcastle United club statement confirms departure
“Forward Garang Kuol has completed a permanent move to Czech First League side Sparta Prague for an undisclosed fee,” a Newcastle statement read.
“The 20-year-old joined the Magpies from A-League side Central Coast Mariners in January 2023 before spending the remainder of the 2022/23 season on loan at Scottish Premiership outfit Heart of Midlothian.
“He then carried out a season-long loan with Eredivisie side FC Volendam the following term.
“Kuol completed a positive campaign with Newcastle's under-21s side during the second half of the 2024/25 season, scoring eight times in all competitions as well as being shortlisted for April's Premier League 2 Player of the Month award.
“He will now be reunited with former Under-21s lead coach Diarmuid O’Carroll, who joined Sparta Prague as a first team coach earlier this summer. Everybody at Newcastle United would like to thank Garang for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”
Garang Kuol signs long-term contract at Sparta Prague
Kuol has signed a long-term with Sparta. Commenting on his arrival, the club’s interim sporting director Tomas Sivok said: “Garang is a talented winger who, despite his age, already brings plenty of experience.
“He made the move from Australia to Newcastle, played in both the Scottish and Dutch leagues, and even appeared at the World Cup in Qatar at a very young age. We were impressed by his pace, his ability to operate on both sides of the pitch, and above all, his courage in one-on-one situations.
“We see great potential for growth in him. At the same time, it’s important that he is given enough time to adapt, get used to the environment and the style of Czech football, and gradually integrate into the team.”
Continue Reading