Newcastle United have reportedly beaten a host of European giants to the signing of Georgian wonderkid Vakhtang Salia.
Still only 17, Salia has already played 31 times for the Tbilisi dynamo, scoring six goals, including finding the clean sheet in the Uefa Conference League against Mornar Bar this season.
The teenage striker is one of his country’s most highly rated youngsters and was named this month a The Guardian’s Next Generation list of the best players born in 2007.
“Despite the fact that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georges Mikautadze and Giorgi Mamardashvili are all 20 years old, Salia has been hailed by some as the future of Georgian football, and not without reason,” wrote Eastern European football expert Artur Petrosyan .
Drawing a stunning comparison with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, he added: “He possesses all the qualities of a top-class attacking player: he is technically gifted, has explosive acceleration and a keen eye for goal.
“But perhaps even more impressive is his vision. His Steven Gerrard-like long-range passing, combined with his ability to deliver crosses and balls, make him an exceptional team player, a quality that stands out in the his age. He has been deployed as a winger or false 9 by his club, and as a number 10 on his debut with Georgia under-21s this summer.”
Newcastle win the race for Vakhtang Salia
Given Petrosyan’s rating, it’s no wonder Salia is getting so much attention.
However, it seems that Newcastle they have won the race to sign this teenage prodigy.
according to HITCthe Magpies have faced competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to land Salia’s signature.
Napoli are also understood to be following Salia, who will join Newcastle in August 2015 when he turns 18.
Until then, he will continue to log senior minutes for Dinamo Tbilisi, gaining invaluable experience ahead of his adventure in English football.
Manchester City and Arsenal They have also been linked with Salia in the past, further highlighting how well Newcastle have done to bring the teenager on board.
