Vakhtang Salia is set to join Newcastle United in the summer.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell has put Newcastle’s new transfer strategy into practice in recent months, with Salia one of the first players to join the Magpies since his arrival.
Mitchell has ordered a shift in focus for scouts to look for young players abroad with the hope Howe and co can develop them – it’s a much cheaper strategy than what was previously in place with players joining domestically for large fees.
Salia agreed a move to Newcastle in September, the 17-year-old will remain at Dinamo Tbilisi until he officially signs for Newcastle on his 18th birthday in August.
Despite his young age, Salia has received rave reviews from Newcastle staff. The striker made two appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, scoring once.
Newcastle beat several clubs to sign Salia, something that will give Howe and Newcastle’s bosses a lot of confidence that Mitchell can work his magic in the transfer market.
On Monday, Salia was shown around St James’ Park and the training complex before sitting down for his first interview with the club.
Vakhtang Salia’s message to Newcastle fans
Salia isn’t the only young striker joining the club in 2025, Irishman Kyle Fitzgerald will join Newcastle on his 18th birthday later in January.
Salia was interviewed by NUFCTV where he was asked ahead of joining the club in the summer – he was asked for a message to the Newcastle fans who are eagerly awaiting his signing.
He said: “Yes, you can rely on me. I will work twice as hard to get here.”
The 17-year-old also took a tour of St James’ Park, he was asked about how he felt when he went there.
“It was amazing, it’s my dream to play there, and I think it’s everyone’s dream to play there.
“My father asked me (which side) I want to score my first goal. It was amazing”
Salia will only be the third Georgian national to sign for Newcastle in the clubs history. Only Zurab Khizanishvili and Temur Ketsbaia have played for the club before him.
The Georgian was asked if he spoke to Ketsbaia before moving, he said: “I’ve never met him, but I hope I will meet him soon.”
During the video, Salia was shown around by Shola Ameobi, was greeted by Howe and Mitchell and got to meet Fabian Schar.
Newcastle look to sign more strikers
While the likes of Salia and Fitzgerald are definitely signings for the future, Newcastle want to improve their current strike force in January.
Alexander Isak has been in immense form this season but aside from William Osula, there are no long term options in Newcastle’s first team.
The Magpies are keeping tabs on Stefanos Tzimas, but there is interest in the Greek star from around England including Brighton and Chelsea.
Elsewhere, Newcastle have lost out to Aston Villa in the race for Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen.
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