Three traits scouts have spotted in Vakhtang Salia as Newcastle told they have made ‘very smart move’

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United believe they have a future star on their hands in the shape of Vakhtang Salia.

Before the January transfer window has even opened, Newcastle have already completed their first signing of 2025.

Newcastle have struck a deal to sign Vakhtang Salia, a 17-year-old striker from Georgia who is showing huge signs of promise.

Salia is set to join Newcastle in the summer of 2025 when he turns 18. He will spend the remainder of this season with current club Dinamo Tbilisi where he has become a regular starter.

Newcastle are planning to loan out Salia next summer with a plan to continue his development in a top European league before he pushes for a starting spot under Eddie Howe.

Scouts have been wowed by Newcastle signing Vakhtang Salia

After the deal was complete, sporting director Paul Mitchell revealed Newcastle beat top clubs to Salia and hinted that the Magpies will continue to strike deals for promising youngsters.

Salia recently scored for Georgia’s Under-19s, giving Newcastle fans a glimpse of what to expect from him when he arrives next year.

If supporters weren’t already excited by his potential, scouts have been raving about Salia’s ability.

As reported by The Chronicle, scouts from across Europe have picked up on three key traits.

They claim scouts who have watched Salia reference his ‘striker’s instinct’, his ball-striking and his ability to ‘sense where he should be in the box’ despite his young age.

Salia certainly has an eye for goal with the youngster netting six times already this season.

Newcastle have made ‘smart move’ signing Vakhtang Salia

With Premier League spending rules continuing to stop Newcastle from splashing the cash in transfer windows, the club’s new strategy is to buy promising players whose value will hopefully soar while at St James’ Park.

Salia certainly fits into that category alongside the likes of Garang Kuol.

Mikha Gabechava was the head scout at Dinamo Tbilisi and knows Salia personally from his time at the club. He suggested to The Chronicle that Newcastle have timed this deal perfectly.

READ MORE: Newcastle could hijack Man United and Dan Ashworth deal as they step up interest in Geovany Quenda

“If they had waited for a bit longer, there would have been other big clubs looking at players like him because there are already some big names like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool watching Georgia’s under-17s.

“Newcastle made the move at the right time because if they had waited a few more months, it would be much harder for them to compete. Looking for players in such an undervalued market is a very smart move.”