Newcastle United sign Vakhtang Salia – Official club announcement | OneFootball

Newcastle United have reached agreement to sign Vakhtang Salia.

An official club announcement on Tuesday revealing the news.

Vakhtang Salia will officially join Newcastle United when he turns 18 in August (2025).

We reported back in September (see below) on media in both Georgia and France saying that a deal for the exciting young player was set to be formally announced.

Newcastle United official announcement – 29 October 2024:

Newcastle United have completed a deal to sign highly-rated Georgian forward Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi.

The 17-year-old will officially join the Magpies on his 18th birthday in August 2025 and will remain with Dinamo in the meantime.

Vakhtang made his professional debut for his hometown club in November 2023 as Dinamo narrowly missed out on winning the Erovnuli Liga title.

He has become a mainstay in the first team this season, scoring five goals in 24 appearances in the Georgian top flight.

At international level, he has represented Georgia at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level.

Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United’s Sporting Director, said: “We’re delighted to get ahead of a number of other top clubs to sign Vakhtang.

“Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.

“We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future.

“We look forward to working with Vakhtang and wish him every success during his remaining time with Dinamo Tbilisi.”

The Mag report – 25 September 2024:

Newcastle United have reached an agreement to sign Vakhtang Salia, according to Foot Mercato.

They report that their information is that Newcastle United, Dinami Tbilisi and the player himself have all agreed the terms of the move.

The exciting young attacking player is a Georgia Under 21 international already and at the age of 16 scored four first team goals, three in the league and another in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.

Vakhtang Salia turned 17 only 26 days ago on 30 August and also has two first team assists to his name so far.

The report states that whilst the deal is set to be finalised and announced, Vakhtang Salia will not immediately move to England, instead he will remain with Dinamo Tbilisi for the best part of another year, then make the move to Tyneside in summer 2025

Newcastle United are set to be Dinamo Tbilisi youngster Vakhtang Salia’s next destination.

Over in Georgia, media outlet, Lelo, are also reporting the imminent move, with Vakhtang Salia to sign a long-term contract with Newcastle United.