Vakhtang Salia is taking his performances to the next level after his move to Newcastle United was confirmed.
Newcastle United agreed a deal to sign Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi in late October, with the 17-year-old forward set to join next summer.
Since the PIF takeover was completed, there has been a lot of focus put toward Newcastle signing up-and-coming youngsters who could be future superstars, such as Garang Kuol.
Just like Kuol, Newcastle plan to loan Salia out after he arrives on Tyneside in the summer. They are hoping to send the young striker to a top European league at a club where he will pick up regular minutes.
Signing young players is part of Newcastle’s plan to bust the Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules after they have limited the club’s spending in recent windows.
Paul Mitchell hinted Newcastle will replicate the Salia deal with other youngsters so that they can avoid spending big on ready-made stars in the future.
Vakhtang Salia scores for Georgia U19s ahead of Newcastle move
Newcastle fans will not have had much of a chance to see their new striker in action during his time at Dinamo Tbilisi.
But the 17-year-old forward started for Georgia’s Under-19s side against Norway on Saturday evening and Newcastle’s latest signing was on target with a superb headed goal.
Norway came out as 3-2 victors but Salia put on an impressive performance, scoring just three minutes into the second half to get his side back in the game.
The young forward showed great movement in the box to beat his defender to the near post and connect with a curling cross.
Newcastle beat Premier League rivals to sign Vakhtang Salia
Newcastle will view the Salia signing as a real coup and it is easy to see why.
According to HITC, Arsenal and Manchester City were linked with signing Salia earlier this year but Newcastle moved quickly to get a deal over the line for the promising striker.
Newcastle are currently well stacked in the striker department with Alexander Isak leading the line while Callum Wilson and William Osula provide stiff competition.
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However, with Wilson linked with a Newcastle exit in 2025, Eddie Howe may soon need reinforcements up front.
That is where Salia could come in. He will have time to develop and progress before being urgently needed as a starter at St James’ Park. If he continues on his current trajectory, there should be no doubts about him reaching the very top.
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