Garang Kuol set to join Eredivisie side FC Volendam on loan

Our 18-year-old Australian forward Garang Kuol is close to joining Dutech Eredivisie side FC Volendam on loan until the end of the 2023/24 season, according to Jacob Whitehead of The Athletic.

Whitehead claims that there has also been Championship interest in Kuol, but that Newcastle's preference was always to send him abroad to develop. He's now apparently just waiting for his work permit to be approved before travelling to Volendam to meet up with his new teammates.

If the move is completed, it will see Kuol following his 19-year-old colleague Yankuba Minteh's path to the Eredivisie, with the Gambian forward already in situ at Feyenoord. Whitehead writes that the Eredivisie's reputation for allowing younger players to develop is the main reason Kuol is headed to join Minteh in the Netherlands.

It seems that Dan Ashworth, Shola Ameobi, and company have learned some lessons from Kuol's disappointing loan spell at Hearts of the Scottish Premiership in the second part of last season. He made just one start for Hearts, appearing off the bench on seven occasions and scoring once.

Volendam finished 14th in the league last season and have a squad that contains multiple teenagers. Head coach Matthia Kohler is just 32 years old himself and has a reputation for working well with young players.

Haven't seen much of Kuol in action? Check out his highlight reel: