“Unbelievable” is how Xavi described Garang Kuol after the Central Coast Mariners sensation wowed against Barcelona in May.
Having dazzled during the 2021-22 A-League Men season, the Mariners teenager showcased his immense talent on the global stage as the All-Stars went head-to-head with LaLiga juggernaut Barcelona.
His performance and displays Down Under appear to have caught the eye of Xavi’s Barca, who are reportedly among a host of European clubs circling for the 17-year-old’s signature.
Premier League powerhouse Chelsea have also been linked, as well as newly cashed-up Newcastle United – who are bankrolled by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia.
But with the transfer window closed and the Isuzu UTE A-League season set to kick-off next month, Kuol is remaining grounded.
“I’m chilling, to be honest,” Kuol – whose older brother Alou plays for Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart – told the Herald and The Age. “I’m just focusing on training and that.
“There’s really no effect. Nothing confirms anything, in terms of how I’ll go at any of those places, if I do go.
“It’s an important [decision] because it’s my stepping stone to life in Europe.
“I can’t go anywhere until January, so it gives me time to make a decision.”
Garang Kuol took Australian football by storm last season.
While there were only 283 total minutes of action, Kuol scored four goals in nine substitute appearances for the Mariners in the ALM.
Kuol was among three Australian youngsters on the CIES Football Observatory’s list of brightest talents in world football.
The Mariners forward (IS 55.9), along with Adelaide United goalkeeper Steven Hall (IS 58.2), former Perth Glory youngster Rawlins (IS 56.9) were are among the best prospects for players born 2004 or after based on the Impact Score (IS) method.
“There are top-level clubs across Europe that have expressed serious interest in Garang but, as always, we will respect Garang’s decision and his family’s decision of when and who he wants to be [with for] his next chapter in football,” Mariners chairman Richard Peil told the Herald.
“People forget he’s still 17. I know there are talented 17-year-olds around the world, so but there aren’t many talented 17-year-olds that come on and display the level of confidence that he displayed against Barcelona.
“That confidence, without arrogance, that he displays along with that talent is very unique, in my opinion.
“He’s got to keep his feet on the ground, and I’m sure that will happen – he’s got a good support network around him.”
Catch Kuol and the Mariners in the Isuzu UTE A-League from Saturday, October 8.
MATCH DETAILS
Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets
Saturday, October 8 2022
Kick-off: 5.00pm AEST
Central Coast Stadium
MATCH CENTRE | BUY TICKETS | HOW TO WATCH
