Rumors are swirling around the football world as FC Barcelona is reportedly eyeing Napoli's sensational winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a potential transfer. The 23-year-old Georgian has had quite the impact since arriving at Napoli, playing a pivotal role in the club's Serie A triumph last season and establishing himself as one of Europe's most exciting talents. With his contract running until 2027, Barcelona's interest may provoke significant movements this summer.
According to multiple reports, including insights from El Nacional, Barcelona's president Joan Laporta met with Kvaratskhelia’s representatives last week. The Georgian star is already on the radar of leading clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, but it's suggested Barcelona might be leading the charge. With his current deal lacking the lucrative terms becoming more common for players of his caliber, Kvaratskhelia and his agent are pushing for negotiations with Napoli for improved contract terms—a situation Barcelona hopes to exploit.
Currently earning around €1.5 million per season, Kvaratskhelia is underwhelmed by his existing deal, especially after making significant contributions to Napoli's success. Reports indicate the Italian club is willing to offer him €5 million annually plus bonuses, potentially eleving his total earnings close to €6 million, about what Romelu Lukaku receives. Meanwhile, Kvaratskhelia's entourage is also pushing for an €80 million release clause as part of the new contract discussions, whereas Napoli would rather see it set at €100 million.
Barcelona's ambition to strengthen their attacking options is no secret. They have been linked to several young stars including Nico Williams and Rafael Leao but appear to see Kvaratskhelia as their top target. The club will need to balance their books and may offload some players, potentially allowing for fresh signings, including the Georgian winger.
The signing of Kvaratskhelia is described as a "priority" for Barcelona, with insiders hinting at the club preparing a significant bid. It’s anticipated they will approach Napoli with around €80 million, significantly less than Kvaratskhelia's hefty release clause. Barcelona's strategy hinges on the player's expressed desire to join them, which they hope will encourage Napoli to negotiate.
Various sources, including La Repubblica and La Gazzetta dello Sport, are now fueling speculation about Barcelona's serious inclination to pursue Kvaratskhelia next summer. The winger's performance has not gone unnoticed, with him contributing seven goals across twelve Serie A matches this season. His versatility and prowess make him fit perfectly within Barcelona's long-term project under new coach Hansi Flick.
Despite competing offers from PSG, who have already made significant bids, Barcelona seems ready to engage more deeply, provided Kvaratskhelia signals his desire to leave Napoli. His relationship with the club has been complicated lately, indicating he may welcome the opportunity to debut with a storied franchise like Barcelona.
Still, signing Kvaratskhelia won't be straightforward. Napoli's president Aurelio De Laurentiis is known for tough negotiations and has previously insisted on observing the full valuation of the player's release clause. The Catalan club will need confidence and patience to navigate these negotiations successfully.
Barcelona’s current form is promising; they lead La Liga and have shown resilience under Flick's leadership. Players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha have stepped up, invigorated by Flick’s coaching. Adding Kvaratskhelia could bolster their attacking depth and provide alternative tactical options, making the signing even more appealing.
With Kvaratskhelia's future now under the spotlight, fans and analysts will closely monitor both Napoli's response to Barcelona's interest and how the player himself perceives this potential move. It’s shaping up to be quite the summer transfer saga, one which might see another bright star make their mark at Camp Nou.
