Newcastle United closing in on signing global teenage talent
Written by Will Berwick on 27th September 2024
Newcastle United are close to finalising an agreement for Georgian wonderkid Vakhtang Salia as they fight off European giants for his signature.
Salia, who recently turned 17, burst on to the scene in the last 12 months, coming into the first team at FC Dinamo Tbilisi, who compete in the Evonuli Liga back in Salia’s native country of Georgia.
The forward has garnered interest from all over Europe due to his impressive performances, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 30 appearances.
It is understood Newcastle will make the transfer official when the January transfer window opens. However, Salia is expected to complete the 2024/25 season with FC Dinamo Tbilisi before joining the Magpies for pre-season.
The teenager is allegedly set to make his debut at the senior international level for Georgia after previously representing them at the under-17 and under-21 levels.
Newcastle hope Salia can emulate Kvhicha Kvaratskhelia, who went from FC Dinamo Tbilisi to tremendous success at Napoli.
The signing of Salia is just another step in Newcastle’s ongoing effort to acquire the best up-and-coming talents from around the world.
Paul Mitchell, NUFC sporting director, is attempting to implement a brand-new transfer strategy. He branded the old approach ”not fit for purpose” and wants the club to cast its scouting web wider.
Explaining that the scouting department is expanding into smaller regions, the lacklustre summer transfer window was a clear example of the shortcomings and failures of the transfer strategy developed under former sporting director Dan Ashworth.
The Magpies have a reputation for limited success with the young talents they sign, but have recently found success with the signings of Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, 20 and 21 respectively.
Additionally, Yankuba Minteh, signed for just under £7million in 2023 from the Danish side Odense BK, was sold to Brighton after a successful loan spell at Feyenoord last season, resulting in a profit for the Toon of around £25million.
The sale of Minteh was crucial for Newcastle to abide by Premier League profit and sustainability regulations.
In recent years, there have been unsuccessful youth signings, and Harrison Ashby’s transfer from West Ham United in 2022 is one of them. The young Scottish full-back was supposed to replace Kieran Trippier, but he has not impressed manager Eddie Howe. As a result, he has not made a senior appearance and is currently struggling for minutes while on loan at QPR.
