‘Inspirational’ – 6 goals winger’s agent approves Newcastle United transfer after Arsenal & Man Utd snub

Newcastle United’s transfer activity has gained attention following the visit of Vakhtang Salia, a highly talented teenage forward from Dinamo Tbilisi, to the club’s facilities at St James’ Park.

Salia, who has already agreed to join Newcastle when he turns 18 in August, met with key personnel, including head coach Eddie Howe, sporting director Paul Mitchell, and loan manager Shola Ameobi, during his visit. The young Georgian was also introduced to players and staff, signaling the club’s commitment to integrating him into its future plans.

Before committing to Newcastle, Salia attracted interest from several top clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United. However, Newcastle acted decisively to secure the agreement, demonstrating their ambition to invest in young, promising talent.

Salia’s agent, Levan Seturidze, later took to social media to share moments from the visit. Photos showed the teenager holding a Newcastle shirt and shaking hands with Howe, accompanied by a heartfelt message praising the club’s warm hospitality and transparent approach. Seturidze expressed optimism about Salia’s future with Newcastle, wishing him success when he officially joins the team.

The agent played a pivotal role in finalizing the deal, emphasizing Newcastle’s historical connection with Georgian players. This legacy includes Temur Ketsbaia, who made over 100 appearances for the club between 1997 and 2000, and Zurab Khizanishvili, who played on loan during the 2009-10 season.

These connections resonated with Salia, influencing his decision to choose Newcastle. In an interview with NUFC TV, Salia revealed how his father and agent highlighted this history, which strengthened his desire to join the Magpies.

He described the opportunity as a dream come true, expressing his excitement about playing at St James’ Park and becoming part of the club’s storied legacy.

Despite being just 17 years old, Salia has already showcased his potential through his performances with Dinamo Tbilisi. In 28 league appearances, he has scored six goals, earning recognition as a rising star in Georgian football.

While his move to Newcastle will not be finalized until August, Salia’s development is already a priority for the club. It is expected that he will be loaned out for the 2025-26 season to gain further experience and refine his skills before fully integrating into Newcastle’s first team.

Salia understands the challenges of transitioning from Georgian football to the European stage. He acknowledged the need for dedication and hard work to succeed at the highest level, emphasizing his motivation to take on this challenge and pursue his dreams.

His ambition and determination align well with Newcastle’s vision, as the club continues to build a squad capable of competing at the top level domestically and in Europe.

The signing of Salia reflects Newcastle’s broader strategy of identifying and nurturing young talent to secure a competitive edge in the Premier League. By investing in players like Salia, who possess both raw ability and the drive to succeed, the club aims to establish a sustainable pathway for long-term success.

Salia’s journey from Dinamo Tbilisi to Newcastle represents an exciting chapter for both the player and the club, underscoring the Magpies’ commitment to securing a bright future.