Part of sporting director Paul Mitchell’s long-term plans to combat Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) is to have a greater focus on recruiting young prospects.
For example, the Magpies signed 19-year-old defender Miodrag Pivas for a nominal fee from Serbian club FK Jedinstvo Ub in the summer before loaning him to Eredivisie outfit Willem II. Twelve months earlier, United brought in Yankuba Minteh for £7million and via a loan spell at Feyenoord were able to sell him to Brighton & Hove Albion for £33m, albeit reluctantly in order to comply with PSR.
And the expected arrival of Salia represents a similar style deal. As per iNews, the 17-year-old Georgian – previously linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City – is likely to stay at Dinamo Tbilisi until next summer when he will then link up with Newcastle for pre-season.
“We have to find untapped gems and develop players to become top players,” said boss Eddie Howe after handing a full debut to 21-year-old Will Osula, who joined for an initial £10m from Sheffield United in August.
“But there has to be a mix in recruitment, I don’t think there’s any one profile that’s the standard-bearing signing. We’re going to need ready made players and players you can develop, we’re going to need a mix.”
Despite being a teenager, Salia has already made 30 appearances for Tbilisi’s first-team after making his debut last year. He has predominantly featured as a left forward and striker, scoring four goals and providing two assists in total.
Salia is regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young prospects having drawn comparisons with Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia due to his nationality and the fact they both came through the youth system at Dinamo Tbilisi.
