Forgotten Newcastle United transfer teases first competitive appearance of 2025/26 after five-month injury
Newcastle United injuries: Vakhtang Salia has teased his first competitive appearance after a lengthy injury absence.
Newcastle United summer signing Vakhtang Salia could finally be in Premier League 2 action this evening.
The 18-year-old joined Newcastle from Dinamo Tbilisi at the end of the summer transfer window in a transfer that was initially agreed in 2024.
Back then, The Magpies released a statement confirming that they would complete the transfer once Salia turned 18 on August 30, 2025.
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NUFC youngster ready to make an impact after injury troubles
Salia impressed after breaking through at Dinamo Tbilisi, scoring eight goals in 59 senior appearances for the club prior to his 18th birthday. It attracted interest from top clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, but Newcastle were able to win the race for his signature.
While Salia’s impact since his arrival has been limited by a hamstring injury. The injury prevented any potential loan move for the youngster that had been considered as he was unable to train properly for around five months after his arrival.
Salia returned to training earlier this year and last week was in action for Newcastle Under-21s for the first time.
Salia started and scored in a 2-1 training ground friendly win for Newcastle Under-21s against Northern Ireland Under-19s last Tuesday.
Now he’s ready to step things up and make an impact in the Premier League 2, where Newcastle Under-21s are back in action tonight.
Salia took to Instagram to share a preview of Newcastle Under-21s’ match against Leicester City Under-21s at 7pm GMT on Monday evening at the LCFC Training Ground.
The preview included an image of Salia celebrating in a Newcastle United 2025/26 home shirt. He will be looking to make his competitive Under-21s debut tonight with a view of breaking into the first team in the future.
It will be Salia’s first competitive match at club level, albeit Under-21s level, since playing his final match for Dinamo Tbilisi in July 2025.
Vakhtang Salia on NUFC transfer
Speaking last 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.”
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