The Central Coast Mariners are extremely pleased to announce the re-signing of Alou Kuol on a three-year deal.
The Mariners academy graduate joins from VfB Stuttgart, with the striker set to bolster our front line.
The forward returns home to the club he made his professional debut with, having originally joined the Mariners youth set up after a successful trial under the guidance of Nick Montgomery in 2019.
Kuol played four matches in the 2019/20 season for the Central Coast, before having a breakout 2020/21 campaign.
His goalscoring ability and physical presence were on clear display as he played 26 times for the Mariners, helping us to our first finals appearance in seven seasons.
He found the back of the net on seven occasions that campaign, scoring his first against the Jets to record a 1-0 round one victory.
This red-hot form saw the then 19-year-old join Stuttgart for an undisclosed fee, officially departing the Mariners mid-way through 2021.
While in Germany, the striker scored seven goals for VfB Stuttgart II in thirty-two appearances, while also spending time on loan with SV Sandhausen in 2. Bundesliga.
Kuol made his Bundesliga debut in January this year, coming on in the 85th minute for Stuttgart against RB Leipzig.
The striker has also shown his talent on the international stage, scoring a remarkable goal for the Olyroos at the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
His scorpion kick effort gained plaudits all around the world, subsequently being nominated for the FIFA Puskás award.
Kuol has most recently been away with the Olyroos at the prestigious Maurice Revello Tournament, playing alongside Jacob Farrell, as well as former Mariners Nectar Triantis and Alou’s brother, Garang Kuol. The striker recorded two assists, as Australia finished the tournament in third place.
Central Coast Mariners head coach Nick Montgomery is excited to have the striker back at the club, seeing him as a key signing heading into the new campaign.
“We are absolutely delighted to bring Alou back to the club. To replace Jason’s goal threat with a young Australian striker was a massive challenge and Alou was always our number one target. We have full belief in his ability, which he has already proven before leaving for Europe’s elite,” he said.
“I have to commend Stuttgart throughout our discussions and thank them for agreeing to the transfer on good faith that the Mariners is the best place for Alou to reach his undoubted potential for both parties to benefit.
“Sergio and I scouted Alou as a raw seventeen-year-old and his rise was quite incredible. Some moves don’t always work out, but Alou will have learnt some valuable lessons and experiences that have given him the platform to become one of Australia’s top strikers and push for the Socceroos one day in the near future.”
“Alou had a lot of interest and offers but he knows how much the Coast loves him. It’s the perfect environment for him to kickstart his career again and follow the likes of Sammy and Nectar and continue the trend of our philosophy at the club.”
Kuol is pleased to be able to return to the club who helped start his career and is excited to be back in Yellow and Navy for the upcoming season.
“It is great to be back on the Coast and I am just really excited for the upcoming season. Being around the boys again and back with Monty and Serg for the next three years, I’m excited for what is in store for us,” Kuol said.
“Being given the chance to come home and play in front of my family and for coaches that I know very well is amazing. I know what they want from me and I think they will get the best out of me.”
“It is an amazing feeling to come back and help defend the colours of the Coast, the Yellow and Navy. I’ll do everything that I can for this club.”
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