Paris Saint-Germain is intensifying its efforts to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli after missing out last summer. The 23-year-old winger, known for his impressive track record, has indicated a desire to leave Napoli. Despite his past connections to various clubs and a successful tenure in Italy, he has yet to play in Ligue 1. As he prepares for a move, comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribéry highlight his potential, with PSG poised to nurture his talent under Luis Enrique.
PSG’s Pursuit of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
After a missed opportunity last summer, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is making a renewed effort to secure the services of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli this winter. The signs are promising this time around. The talented 23-year-old Georgian winger has expressed his desire to depart from the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, as confirmed by his former coach Antonio Conte. All indicators suggest that it’s just a matter of time before PSG formally announces his signing. It’s undoubtedly a significant acquisition, though Kvaratskhelia will be unable to participate in the upcoming Champions League matches against Manchester City and Stuttgart.
A Young Star with Global Experience
Kvaratskhelia, affectionately known as “Kvara,” has come a long way since his days at the Dinamo Tbilisi academy. He has played for five clubs, including two in Georgia (Rustavi and Dinamo Batumi) and two in Russia (Lokomotiv Moscow and Rubin Kazan), before joining Napoli in 2022 for just over €13 million. During his stint with Napoli, he has made 107 appearances, netting 30 goals and providing 29 assists, contributing to his teams’ successes, including the Italian championship title in 2022-23 and the Russian Cup in 2019. His departure from Kazan was prompted by the war in Ukraine, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in challenging circumstances.
Despite his international travels, Kvaratskhelia has yet to play in Ligue 1, despite previous interest from French clubs. Willy Sagnol, the Georgian national team coach, had previously recommended him to several clubs in France, but only one showed serious interest, which fell through when their sporting director departed mid-transfer window. Some executives even expressed hesitation about signing a Georgian player, deeming it too risky or not ambitious enough for their fanbase. Now, PSG stands as the sole contender capable of meeting his financial demands.
Kvaratskhelia’s journey is intertwined with his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, who inspired him throughout his youth. He wore the number 77 at Napoli as a nod to his idol, and in a memorable match, he scored during Georgia’s victory over Portugal at Euro 2024, a moment he describes as transformative. The encounter against Ronaldo marked a pinnacle in his career, and he continues to cherish that experience.
In Napoli, Kvaratskhelia has been affectionately nicknamed “Zizi” by club president Aurélio De Laurentiis due to the complexity of his name. However, he is more commonly referred to as “Kvara” in France, where he has also earned the moniker “Kvaradona,” drawing parallels with the legendary Diego Maradona.
While Kvaratskhelia idolizes Ronaldo, Sagnol believes he resembles Franck Ribéry in playing style. Sagnol highlights Kvaratskhelia’s explosive qualities and forward-thinking game, indicating that he has shown remarkable potential for growth. His former Napoli coach, Rudi Garcia, also noted his immense talent, emphasizing the need for Kvaratskhelia to strike a balance between individual brilliance and teamwork. As he prepares to join PSG, it will be up to Luis Enrique to refine this promising talent further, unless unexpected developments arise.