Back in October last year, Newcastle United announced one of the first signings of the Paul Mitchell era, as an agreement was reached over Georgian sensation Vakhtang Salia.
Mitchell revealed that we beat a number of 'top clubs' to his signing, although it was announced that he'd officially arrive from Dinamo Tibilisi in August 2025, once he'd turned 18.
A few months later, it seems the 17-year-old forward has been on Tyneside to meet with staff and visit the club's Benton training base.
Salia pictured at Toon training ground
Ahead of his arrival later this year, Salia has been pictured (see below) meeting Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and the man who pushed for his signature; Paul Mitchell.
Salia made his first team debut as a 16-year-old and has already gone on to become a regular in Dinamo’s first team, scoring in a Europa Conference League qualifier and netting seven times in 39 senior appearances.
See photos below of him meeting Howe and Mitchell on his tour of the training ground:
Speaking to NUFC TV about the move, he said: "My father and my agent convinced me that two Georgians played here. The club has a big history.
"The first time I heard it [Newcastle were interested] I could not believe it. It was big news for me. It's my dream to play at St James' Park - and I think it's everyone's dream to play there."
"I don't think I can play in just one position. I can play more. Just let me play and I will prove it. I don't like to think about me - I let other people talk about me."
Mitchell's comments on Salia signing
Speaking about Salia’s signing when an agreement was confirmed back in October, Mitchell was full of praise for the teenager, revealing that we beat several "top clubs" to his signature.
“We’re delighted to get ahead of a number of other top clubs to sign Vakhtang," said Mitchell on his first capture as the club's sporting director.
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.”
