Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has made a significant splash in the football transfer market by signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli for a reported fee of €70 million, which translates to approximately £59 million. This move marks a pivotal chapter for both the Georgian winger and the French club, as Kvaratskhelia has signed a contract that will keep him at PSG until June 2029. His transfer comes as a surprise to many, particularly as he requested to leave Napoli mid-season, signaling a craving for new challenges and opportunities in his football career.
Expressing his excitement about the move, Kvaratskhelia shared his feelings on the PSG website, stating, “It’s a dream to be here. I’ve heard a lot of very positive things about Paris Saint-Germain.” He articulated a sense of pride in joining such a prestigious club, emphasizing that he is eager to don his new colors on the pitch. The winger’s first potential appearance in the PSG jersey may occur this midweek, as the team prepares to face Manchester City in the highly-anticipated UEFA Champions League, an event viewers can catch on TNT Sports and discovery+.
PSG’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, also expressed his enthusiasm over the acquisition of Kvaratskhelia. “We are delighted to welcome Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to the Paris Saint-Germain family,” he proclaimed. Al-Khelaifi highlighted Kvaratskhelia’s remarkable talent, acknowledging him as one of the most thrilling players in contemporary football. The president lauded the young winger for his bravery and dedication to the team, reinforcing the belief that Kvaratskhelia’s commitment aligns perfectly with PSG’s ambitions. He further stated, “Khvicha was so determined to be part of our great club. I know he will achieve all his goals with us.”
The transfer represents a turnaround for Kvaratskhelia, who was instrumental in Napoli’s Serie A championship victory during the 2022/23 season. His contribution was pivotal in helping the club secure their first Scudetto title in 23 years, an achievement underscored by his 12 goals in his debut season after joining from Dinamo Batumi. His standout performance during that campaign earned him the title of Serie A Most Valuable Player, signaling his rise as a significant force in football.
However, the following season proved to be tumultuous for Napoli. After the exit of head coach Luciano Spalletti, the team struggled, finishing the season in a disappointing 10th place under the guidance of three different managers. The arrival of Antonio Conte during the summer sparked hopes of a revival for Napoli, who presently sits at the top of the Serie A standings. Nonetheless, the situation surrounding Kvaratskhelia escalated when Conte disclosed that the star forward had explicitly requested to be sold. “He asked the club to be sold,” Conte stated, revealing his disappointment at the player’s unexpected decision, which he described as a “bolt from the blue.”
Kvaratskhelia departs from Napoli having had an impressive tenure: he scored 30 goals across 107 appearances in all competitions, coupled with 29 assists. Beyond his club achievements, Kvaratskhelia has also made his mark on the international stage, shining for the Georgian national team. Notably, he played an instrumental role during Euro 2024, where his goal against Portugal helped secure a historic place for Georgia in the knockout stages of the tournament.
As Kvaratskhelia embarks on this new journey with Paris Saint-Germain, he brings with him a wealth of talent and potential that the club hopes will contribute to their ongoing quest for both domestic and European glory. As excitement builds around his debut, football fans eagerly await to see how Kvaratskhelia adapts to the rigors of playing in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
