Alou Kuol's stint in the Bundesliga has come to an end after the rising star announced he is rejoining A-League Men club Central Coast on a three-year deal.
Kuol scored seven goals across 30 games for the Mariners before making the move to German top-flight club VfB Stuttgart in 2021.
The 22-year-old made his Bundesliga debut in January, coming on in the 85th minute for Stuttgart against RB Leipzig.
It proved to be Kuol's only appearance for Stuttgart's first team and he has made the decision to reignite his career in Australia.
His return is a big boost for the Mariners, who have lost winger Sammy Silvera to English Championship outfit Middlesbrough and grand final hero Jason Cummings to Indian Super League club Mohun Bagan Super Giants.
Silvera follows Kye Rowles (Hearts), Garang Kuol (Newcastle United) and Nectar Triantis (Sunderland) in leaving Gosford for the UK over the past 12 months.
“We are absolutely delighted to bring Alou back to the club," Mariners coach Nick Montgomery said in a statement.
"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.
“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.
"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.”
Central Coast won the 2022/23 A-League Men grand final with a 6-1 trouncing of Melbourne City and Kuol is excited to be part of their title defence.
“It is great to be back on the Coast and I am just really excited for the upcoming season," 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.”
