Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have completed the signing of highly-rated Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, sealing a long-term contract that will keep him at the French club until 2029. The move, valued at €70 million (£59.2m), marks a significant addition to Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking options following Kylian Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid last summer.
At just 23 years old, Kvaratskhelia has already established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting wingers. His time at Napoli was marked by 30 goals and 29 assists in 107 appearances, helping the Italian club clinch the 2022-23 Serie A title, where he was also named MVP of the season. The Georgian international becomes the first player from his country to don the Paris Saint-Germain jersey, further highlighting the club’s commitment to building a diverse and dynamic squad.
Napoli Lose Key Player Amid Contract Dispute
Kvaratskhelia’s exit from Napoli follows weeks of uncertainty regarding his future. The forward, affectionately nicknamed “Kvaradona” by Napoli fans—an homage to club legend Diego Maradona—played a crucial role in Napoli’s 2022-23 Serie A title-winning campaign, their first in over three decades. However, after negotiations for a contract extension broke down, he formally requested to leave the club.
Napoli had initially resisted selling their star winger, but with PSG’s lucrative offer on the table, the club ultimately sanctioned his departure. Kvaratskhelia leaves Naples with an impressive record, having contributed 54 goals and assists in 107 appearances since joining from Dinamo Batumi in 2022 for just £9 million.
Kvaratskhelia’s Determination to Join Paris Saint-Germain Amid Premier League Interest
Despite being linked with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, Kvaratskhelia was reportedly determined to join Paris Saint-Germain, a sentiment echoed by club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Speaking after the official announcement, Al-Khelaifi emphasized the winger’s strong desire to make the move to the Parc des Princes.
“We are delighted to welcome Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to the Paris Saint-Germain family. Khvicha is one of the most exciting players in world football—a fantastic talent with great courage and team spirit,” said Al-Khelaifi. “He was so determined to be part of our great club, and we believe he will achieve all his goals here.”
The Georgian star himself expressed his excitement about the transfer, stating: “It’s a dream to be here. I’ve heard so many positive things about PSG, and I feel immense pride in joining this great club. I’m looking forward to wearing my new colors and giving my best for the team.”
Liverpool Left Searching for Alternatives as Salah’s Future Remains Uncertain
Liverpool, one of the clubs reportedly monitoring Kvaratskhelia, now faces the challenge of finding an alternative attacker, particularly with Mohamed Salah’s contract set to expire next summer. While the Reds never entered formal negotiations with Napoli, the loss of Kvaratskhelia to PSG forces them to explore other options in the transfer market.
Among Liverpool’s potential targets is Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané, whose contract situation could make him a viable signing. Another option is West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, who has impressed since joining the Premier League side. Additionally, Liverpool have been linked with PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko and Feyenoord’s Anis Hadj Moussa, both of whom are regarded as rising stars in European football.
Furthermore, Liverpool could consider a move for Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram, a versatile forward capable of playing multiple attacking roles. His arrival would provide additional depth, particularly if uncertainties over Darwin Núñez’s long-term role in the squad persist.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Ambitions Grow Stronger with Kvaratskhelia’s Arrival
PSG’s latest signing aligns with their ongoing efforts to restructure their squad following key departures, including Mbappé. The addition of Kvaratskhelia strengthens their attacking lineup, complementing existing stars like Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola. His arrival also underscores PSG’s strategy of investing in young, high-potential players rather than relying solely on established superstars.
With the French champions gearing up for another Ligue 1 title defense and a strong UEFA Champions League campaign, Kvaratskhelia will play a crucial role in their ambitions. His flair, dribbling skills, and ability to score and create goals will be vital in Luis Enrique’s tactical setup as PSG aims to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
Liverpool, meanwhile, must act swiftly in the transfer market to secure a game-changing attacker, especially with potential exits looming. Whether they will land one of their top targets or look elsewhere remains to be seen, but PSG’s acquisition of Kvaratskhelia has undoubtedly altered the dynamics of the summer transfer window.
Kvaratskhelia’s Rising Profile After Euro 2024
Kvaratskhelia’s reputation soared following Georgia’s historic run to the Euro 2024 Round of 16, where he was instrumental in his nation’s success. His performances caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs, but PSG ultimately won the race for his signature.
At just 23, Kvaratskhelia has already established himself as one of Europe’s most sought-after talents. His move to PSG marks a new chapter in his career, offering him the platform to shine on both domestic and international stages. As he settles into life in Paris, fans will eagerly anticipate his impact in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
