Paul Mitchell beat Arsenal to the signing of exciting winger wanted by "top clubs"
When Newcastle announced a deal to sign Georgian sensation Vakhtang Salia back in October last year, sporting director Paul Mitchell admitted that the club had beaten "top clubs" to the winger's signature.
The 17-year-old has been on Tyneside recently to meet Mitchell, Eddie Howe and visit the club's facilities, although he won't officially arrive from Dinamo Tiblisi until he turns 18 in August.
But, following photos of his first visit and interview at the club, new details have emerged on who we beat to his signature last year.
Newcastle hijacked Arsenal bid
Not only did we beat the Gunners in the league earlier this season and earlier this month in the cup, it seems we pipped them to Salia too!
According to NewcastleWorld, Arsenal 'thought they had won the race' for the Georgian winger, only for Newcastle to swoop in and secure Salia instead.
Salia told NUFC TV that it is a "dream" move for him and a huge opportunity to one day play in the Premier League, although he's likely to go out on loan initially.
A deal for the teenager highlights our ongoing push to recruit some of the world's best young talent, whether that's to integrate them into the first-team in time or sell them for a big profit for PSR purposes.
Mitchell has already hinted at recruitment plans
Discussing Salia's arrival and our recruitment strategy a few months ago, Mitchell admitted that moves for emerging talent is an "essential part of building a sustainable future", especially in the world of PSR.
"We're delighted to get ahead of a number of other top clubs to sign Vakhtang,” Mitchell said in October. "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."
Hopefully Salia settles and finds a suitable loan move soon, allowing him to continue his development; much like Yankuba Minteh did in joining Feyenoord following his arrival from Odense.
