Newcastle United complete first signing of 2025 as Eddie Howe confirms face-to-face talks at training ground

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Eddie Howe met face-to-face with Newcastle United’s first official signing of 2025.

Newcastle United welcomed their first official signing of 2025 to Tyneside over the weekend.

The Magpies have agreed a deal to sign exciting young Georgian forward Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi when he turns 18 years old in August. And ahead of the move, Salia has been given a first glimpse of his new surroundings.

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During his weekend visit, the 17-year-old was given a tour of the training ground and spoke to head coach Eddie Howe, sporting director Paul Mitchell, loan manager Shola Ameobi, as well as some of his future teammates.

Newcastle United new signing Vakhtang Salia and sporting director Paul Mitchell. (Photo credit: NUFCTV)Newcastle United new signing Vakhtang Salia and sporting director Paul Mitchell. (Photo credit: NUFCTV)
Newcastle United new signing Vakhtang Salia and sporting director Paul Mitchell. (Photo credit: NUFCTV) | NUFCTV

Salia was then in attendance at St James’ Park on Sunday as the Magpies came from behind to beat League Two side Bromley in the third round of the FA Cup.

Asked about Salia’s visit, Howe told NewcastleWorld: “I managed to have a good conversation with him, his family and representatives.

“He seemed like a really good lad with a great attitude and hungry to learn. His next step is slightly unclear but he is certainly a talented young player.”

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Despite his tender age, Salia has broken into Dinamo Tbilisi’s first-team. Since making his debut his 2023, the forward has 39 appearances and scored seven times.

As previously reported by NewcastleWorld, United fought off competition from several European clubs, including Premier League rivals Arsenal.

“Yeah I think with the young players that’s where we have to be, we have to be in the hunt for talented young players around the world, the best young players,” Howe added.

“If we can give them a pathway here and an opportunity to develop their skills, whether that is the next steps on loan or coming in-house, certainly the scouting and recruitment team is doing a lot of work with the younger players and I wholeheartedly support that.”

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Commenting on his visit, Salia told NUFCTV: “I have been to the academy, training ground and the stadium - it is amazing. It is my dream to play there, I think it is everyone’s dream to play there!

“When I heard Newcastle were interested me, motivation comes naturally. First time I heard I couldn’t believe it because it was big news for me.

“I think I have to work more to come here. To come into Europe after Georgia it will be really difficult, I have to exercise and work more.

“It is a big challenge for me. I have this motivation to play outside of Georgia. It is a move every professional player has to make to follow their teams.”

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