Vakhtang Salia has featured for the final time with Dinamo Tbilisi before officially sealing his move to Newcastle United next week.

The Magpies confirmed back in October that the Georgian teenager would be joining once he turned 18.

Since then, Salia has remained with the Georgian champions, making 57 senior appearances and scoring eight goals, but will now link up with Newcastle.

After helping Tbilisi to a 3-1 victory over Kolkheti 1913 on Saturday, Salia penned a heartfelt farewell. The timing means he will be celebrating his 18th birthday next Thursday as well as his switch to the Premier League.

“The day has come where I must say goodbye to my boyhood club,” Salia posted on Instagram. “It’s difficult, but I know this is football and the start of the next step in my career.

“I spent many years with Dynamo — from the youth teams right through to the first team — and that’s where I became a professional. I’ll always remember my debut goal against Torpedo.

“Everything I know in football I learned here, and I’ll always be thankful to my coaches, teammates, directors, staff and the supporters.

“I realise there is a long road ahead and I’m ready to give everything I can to succeed. This is not the end, I’m sure we’ll meet again in the future. Blue and white forever!”

Newcastle are expected to arrange a loan move for Salia, similar to what they did with Antonio Cordero, who joined from Malaga before being immediately loaned to Belgian side Westerlo for the 2025-26 campaign.

Salia visited Tyneside in January, where he toured the club’s Benton training complex, spoke with Eddie Howe, ex-sporting director Paul Mitchell and some of his future teammates.

He was also in attendance for Newcastle’s 3-1 FA Cup third-round win over Bromley.

Reflecting on the trip, Salia said: “I visited the academy, training centre and stadium — it’s unbelievable. To play there is my dream, I think it’s every player’s dream!

“When I first heard Newcastle were interested, I was so motivated. At the start, I couldn’t believe it because it was such big news for me.

“I know I must keep working to get here. Coming to Europe from Georgia is a big step, so I need to train hard and improve.

“It’s a huge challenge, but I’m determined to make it. Every footballer has to take this step if they want to chase their ambitions.”

At the time of his commitment, Mitchell confirmed Newcastle had beaten off competition from several leading clubs for Salia’s signature.

“We’re delighted to secure Vakhtang ahead of a number of elite sides,” Mitchell explained. “Recruiting young talent is vital for creating a long-term strategy, especially under PSR rules, so the market is highly competitive.

“We continue to scout widely at home and abroad, aiming to bring in players who can grow within our pathway and, in time, break into the first team.”