Newcastle United transfer continues to impress as excitement builds for 2025 move

Newcastle United's next incoming star, Vakhtang Salia, continues to impress in his native Georgia ahead of an eagerly-anticipated move to the Magpies in 2025.

The 17-year-old won't officially become a Newcastle player until his 18th birthday next August after penning a contract with Eddie Howe's side despite serious interest - from across Europe - in his signature. Salia's transfer was confirmed last month and since then the teenage sensation has continued to showcase the impressive eye for goal that earned him plenty suitors outside of the Erovnuli Liga.

The Dinamo Tbilisi forward was on target with a poacher's finish for Georgia's under-19 side on Saturday afternoon, heading home an inch-perfect cross from the right as his country ran out 3-2 winners over Norway's youngsters. This, after calmly working an opening and finding the net for Tbilisi in the league against bottom of the table Samtredia last weekend.

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Tbilisi have won three league titles in the last five years but this season find themselves 28 points off top spot, with just four games to play. Salia has six goals and two assists in 26 league outings.

Newcastle's vast network of scouts, situated around Europe, believe they may have struck gold with an up and coming talent who may turn out to be one of Europe's best in a few years time. Salia, who is said to have impressed Real Madrid and Bayern Munich visitors in recent months, has already been compared to Napoli star Kvicha Kvaratskhelia - the current poster boy of Georgian football.

Newcastle have moved to drastically revamp their youth setup in recent years, putting real emphasis on snatching promising talent before the age of 18. The likes of Trevan Sanusi, Sam Alabi, Alfie Harrison and Travis Hernes are examples of the north east outfit pouncing early for youngsters they believe can reach the very top.

”In today’s competitive transfer market, financial sustainability is crucial, sporting director Paul Mitchell said after Salia's Newcastle deal was confirmed. "Our focus is on scouting both domestically and internationally for players who can contribute to our growth and ideally progress to the first team.

We continue to actively scout both domestically and internationally to identify players who can help our club grow and, ideally, progress to the first team in the future. That’s why we look forward to working with Vakhtang."