Newcastle United fans suggest transfer of Australia World Cup starlet to Bristol Rovers

Newcastle United fans are proposing loaning out one of their players to Bristol Rovers next season.

Magpies fans can look forward to playing in the Champions League next season, and are ready to see new signings arrive at St James Park, as the club continues to grow in stature. Fans are keen however to see one of their January arrivals develop, and believe that the Memorial Stadium would be the perfect place for one of their highly-rated youngsters to ply his trade.

Garang Kuol who joined Newcastle in mid-September, but wasn't officially a player there until January 1, 2023. He had been at Central Coast Mariners, and was part of Australia's squad for the 2023 World Cup in Qatar. He was the youngest player to be selected, and featured in several matches, such as defeats to France and Argentina.

Since playing in the World Cup however, his development has stagnated, after an unsuccessful loan spell in the Scottish Premiership. The Edinburgh outfit qualified for the Europa League qualifying rounds after a fourth placed finish but he struggled for game time. The 18-year-old made just one league start for Hearts, who had a change in manager during Kuol's time at the club. He made eight appearances in total, with seven substitute appearances, and the high point of his time at Tynecastle Stadium was scoring a 94th minute equaliser against Rangers in May.

Kuol - who has been tipped for big things in the future - will now hope for a better loan move that will be key for him making a breakthrough at Newcastle. Fans don't have the final say, but are urging Eddie Howe and their transfer team to send him to work with their former midfielder Joey Barton.

The Magpie Group made a social media post on Twitter, and suggested 'the best loan move' for Kuol would be to their nearby rivals Sunderland, but others suggested a move to work with Barton.

@TomO_1202484847 said: "Bristol Rovers seems to be the best place for loan deals. Barton being manager and getting the club and gives game time!

"Don't disagree," said @Andyamackenzie. I would send him to play with Joey Barton as a first choice as it would be a better move for his confidence possibly but Sunderland and Middlesbrough are loan moves we overlook too often.

@willazsmith added: "Send him to Bristol Rovers. It certainly helped Elliott Anderson.

"Send him to friendly clubs @Joey7Barton being a perfect choice! said @KevinHunter2408.

Boro is a better local choice,” added @ScottBev016. Carrick is a decent enough coach. Otherwise a spell at Bristol Rovers maybe.

@HeineMikkelsen said: “Possibly loaned Matty Longstaff and Garang Kuol to Bristol Rovers. Joey Barton as a NUFC legend can give them a good boost.

65sneaky added: “I’d try him at Southampton, they have a great record with young players over the years. Joeys Bristol would be a good shout or maybe The Swans.”

Most Newcastle fans alluded to the fact that Bristol Rovers would be a good home for the season for Kuol, because of the work done with making Elliot Anderson ready for them. He had a sensational six-month loan spell at the Mem, and scored the decisive goal to take the Gas up to League One, after a 7-0 victory over Scunthorpe United on the final day. Anderson went on to play 22 times in the Premier League, despite numerous clubs from the Championship being interested in signing him.

Rovers have yet to make a signing this summer, but the transfer window does not open until Wednesday, June 14. Barton during his two-and-a-half-year tenure at the club has used the loan market to his advantage, and whilst there is no suggestion that Rovers hold an interest in Kuol, it is an option to consider. Barton is good friends with Newcastle’s loan manager Shola Ameobi, and was offered Anderson on Deadline Day in January 2021, and the rest was history.