Vakhtang Salia has sent a farewell message to the Dinamo Tbilisi fans ahead of his long-awaited move to Newcastle United.
While the Magpies have been busy in the transfer market making deals for the first team, they have been equally busy for the academy.
Steve Harper has welcomed several young prospects to Newcastle United this summer, with the likes of Antonio Cordero joining from Malaga on a free transfer. Some young stars have already been given a taste of first-team football at the club. Seung-soo Park started in Newcastle’s friendly against Espanyol and was named on the bench by Eddie Howe for the Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
After announcing the deal in October last year, Vakhtang Salia will soon become a Newcastle player. The 17-year-old will officially make his move on 31 August, when he turns 18.
Salia was one of the few signings made by Paul Mitchell at Newcastle before his departure after just 12 months.
With the Georgian striker set to arrive on Tyneside in the next week, Salia has shared his goodbye message for Dinamo Tbilisi.
Eddie Howe celebrates after Newcastle United's win against Arsenal.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Vakhtang Salia’s message ahead of Newcastle United move
Salia visited Newcastle’s training ground earlier this year, their new home for the foreseeable future. The young Georgian had the opportunity to meet Howe, who had a good first impression of him, though he was unsure what role he will play at the club going forward.
Newcastle have made a habit of signing young talent from abroad over the last few years, with players from Ireland and further across Europe joining.
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Salia made his name at Tbilisi, but he has now said his goodbyes to the club that developed him from a young age.
“The moment has come when I have to say goodbye to my home club,” Salia said 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!”
Vakhtang Salia’s message to Newcastle United ahead of move
The plan is for Salia to be loaned out for his first season at Newcastle, a similar plan to the likes of Cordero, who is currently playing in Belgium for KVC Westerlo.
Salia claims he is versatile, something Howe will love to hear. The Newcastle boss will surely have an eye on him for the opening month of his career on Tyneside if a loan move does not come to fruition.
Additionally, Salia says he is more than ready to play for Newcastle, having shared his excitement after seeing St James’ Park and the training complex.
“Yes, you can rely on me. I will work twice as hard to get here,” Salia said during a club interview in January.
“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 also shared his hope of meeting former Georgian Newcastle star Temur Ketsbaia when he makes his move.