Newcastle United new signing Vakhtang Salia and sporting director Paul Mitchell. (Photo credit: NUFCTV)placeholder image
Newcastle United new signing Vakhtang Salia and sporting director Paul Mitchell. (Photo credit: NUFCTV) | NUFCTV
The highly-rated forward will officially join Newcastle United on Thursday next week.
Vakhtang Salia has played his final game for Dinamo Tbilisi ahead of officially joining Newcastle United next week.
The Magpies announced in October last year that they would be signing the young Georgian when he turns 18.
In the meantime, Salia has remained at the Georgian top-flight side and after making 57 appearances and scoring eight goals, is now on his way to Newcastle.
Salia wrote an emotional farewell message following Tbilisi’s 3-1 win over Kolkheti 1913 on Saturday. Not only will Salia be celebrating his 18th birthday next Thursday, but his move to Newcastle, too.
Vakhtang Salia issues goodbye message ahead of Newcastle United move
“The moment has come when I have to say goodbye to my home club,” Salia wrote on Instagram. “It's not easy, but I know it's part of football and a new phase of my career ahead.
“I spent a lot of time at Dynamo - after almost every age group in the academy, I adapted to the first team uniform and that’s where I became a professional footballer. I'll never forget my debut goal scored in Torpedo's door.
“I learned everything I know now at this club, and I’m very grateful to everyone I’ve met along the way - coaches, teammates, management, staff and fans.
“I know that there is a long way ahead of me and I am ready to give everything I can to succeed. Goodbye, but I believe that we will definitely meet in the future. Blue and white all the way! 💙🤍”
Newcastle United’s plan for Vakhtang Salia
Newcastle are expected to arrange a loan move for Salia, similar to Antonio Cordero, who they signed from Malaga this summer before immediately sending him to Belgian side Westerlo for the 2025-26 season.
Salia visited Tyneside in January, where he was videoed visiting the club’s Benton training ground, as well as holding conversations with Eddie Howe, former sporting director Paul Mitchell and some of his future teammates.
He was also in the stands for Newcastle’s 3-1 victory over Bromley in the third round of the FA Cup.
During the visit, Salia said: “I have been to the academy, training ground and the stadium - it is amazing. It is my dream to play there, I think it is everyone’s dream to play there!
“When I heard Newcastle were interested me, motivation comes naturally. First time I heard I couldn’t believe it because it was big news for me.
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“I think I have to work more to come here. To come into Europe after Georgia it will be really difficult, I have to exercise and work more.
“It is a big challenge for me. I have this motivation to play outside of Georgia. It is a move every professional player has to make to follow their teams.”
Newcastle United have beaten several top clubs to Vakhtang Salia deal
Speaking at the time of his arrival, Mitchell revealed Newcastle had beaten several top clubs to Salia’s signature.
"We're delighted to get ahead of a number of other top clubs to sign Vakhtang,” Mitchell said. "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."
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