Newcastle United have secured the signing of highly-rated Georgian striker Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi. The 17-year-old talent will officially join Newcastle on his 18th birthday in August 2025, but until then, he will continue to play for Dinamo. Salia made his professional debut for his hometown club in November 2023, demonstrating his skills as Dinamo Tbilisi narrowly missed out on winning the Erovnuli Liga title. On the international stage, Salia has represented Georgia at under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels.
Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United’s Sporting Director, commented on the signing: “We’re delighted to get ahead of a number of other top clubs to sign Vakhtang. At some points on the journey over the next five years we are going to have to rely on a level of patience. I know that is a hard thing to ask for. But it is important to understand that we are on a journey. It will take time, we have got some great elements that make me super excited and have been drivers to my decision, the coach being one. I think in five years I think we can really challenge for important things. And at an important level and that’s what we need to do.”