Newcastle United summer signing ruled out until 2026 after 'devastating' injury blow
Newcastle United may have to wait until early 2026 before they finally see one of their summer signings in action.
Newcastle United forward Vakhtang Salia joined the club from Dinamo Tbilisi at the end of the summer transfer window.
A statement released by Newcastle in October 2024 confirmed that Salia would complete his move to Tyneside once he turned 18 on August 30, 2025. Salia then visited Newcastle in January to complete media duties and meet key figures at the club, including Eddie Howe, before returning to Georgia.
Salia made 59 appearances for Dinamo Tbilisi before his 18th birthday, scoring eight goals. He arrived at Newcastle with plenty of promise, but is yet to make an impact so far due to an injury.
A hamstring injury scuppered any potential loan move that had been considered for Salia prior to his arrival on Tyneside and has also prevented him from featuring or training with Newcastle’s Under-21s side over the past three months.
Vakhtang Salia injury update
The 18-year-old watched from the stands at Whitley Park as Newcastle United Under-21s drew 0-0 with Real Sociedad Under-21s in the Premier League International Cup on Tuesday evening.
Following the match, Newcastle Under-21s lead coach Adam Lawrence reflected on Salia’s injury situation, revealing that the forward is planning to start training around the turn of the year - ruling him out of playing until 2026.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
“He is making good progress,” Lawrence said. “Everyone was devastated that he has come into the club and got the injury he picked up.
“I’ve not seen him on the pitch but he’s an outstanding young man around the training ground with how he conducts himself.
“I’m sure in his mind it’s been really tough for him but he hasn’t shown that. He’s stayed really positive.
“The medical and sports science team are looking towards the back end of December and into January for when he can start training with the group and building those levels of fitness - but we are taking it week-by-week.
“Without getting too carried away, he is on course and making good progress with his rehab and he has been really diligent in that way.”
Football is BACK - subscribe to our Newcastle United newsletter for all the news straight to your inbox
Vakhtang Salia on Newcastle United transfer
Speaking at the start of the year, Salia told the club website: “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.”
Salia can play in a central striker role or out on the left, and views himself as a versatile attacking player.
“I don’t think I can play in just one position,” he added. “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.”
“It’s a big challenge for me and I have motivation to play outside of Georgia. I think it’s a move every professional player has to make to follow their dreams.
“I have to work more to come here. To go in Europe after Georgia is very difficult, I will have to exercise and work more.”