Napoli’s Contract Hopes for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Amidst PSG Interest
Napoli is currently in a delicate situation as they aim to extend the contract of their Georgian sensation, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The club has reportedly offered a two-year contract extension with a significant salary increase, yet there remain gaps that need addressing. The Italian side has also turned down a staggering €110 million offer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), signaling their intent to hold onto their star player.
The Current Situation
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, often referred to as “Kvara,” is one of the most sought-after wingers in European football. Born on February 12, 2001, Kvaratskhelia has had a meteoric rise in his career. Starting at Dinamo Tbilisi, he moved through several clubs, including Lokomotiv Moscow and Rubin Kazan, before landing at Napoli in 2022. His debut season was nothing short of spectacular, as he was instrumental in Napoli’s Serie A triumph—their first in 33 years.
Kvaratskhelia’s stats speak volumes about his impact. In the 2023-2024 Serie A season, he made 34 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists. His overall rating of 7.436363 showcases his consistent performance. Notably, he was also the top assist provider in the league during Napoli’s title-winning season in 2022-2023.
Napoli’s Contract Offer
Napoli is keen on securing Kvaratskhelia’s services for the long term. The club has offered a contract extension that would tie him to the team until 2029, with a salary more than double his current €2 million per year. Negotiations have been ongoing, with the club’s representatives meeting the player’s agent, Mamuka Jogli, in Milan to discuss the terms. While the initial offer did not fully satisfy Kvaratskhelia and his agent, the gap appears to be narrowing.
PSG’s Interest and Napoli’s Stance
The allure of PSG is hard to ignore, especially with reports suggesting that Kylian Mbappe is set to leave for Real Madrid. PSG has identified Kvaratskhelia as a potential replacement and has made several lucrative offers, the most recent being €110 million, which Napoli rejected. The Italian club’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has labeled Kvaratskhelia as “untransferable.” However, insiders suggest that an offer of €150 million or more might force Napoli to reconsider.
Kylian Mbappe’s potential move to Real Madrid could leave a significant void at PSG, and Kvaratskhelia is seen as an ideal candidate to fill that gap. Mbappe, who has an impressive career including winning the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and multiple Ligue 1 titles, has set a high bar, but Kvaratskhelia’s burgeoning talent makes him a fitting successor.
Antonio Conte’s Potential Influence
Another factor that could play a role in Kvaratskhelia’s decision is the possible appointment of Antonio Conte as Napoli’s new head coach. Conte, known for his tactical acumen and ability to revitalize teams, could be a significant draw for Kvaratskhelia. Conte’s managerial career is decorated with titles, including three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus and a Premier League title with Chelsea. His reputation might help alleviate any dissatisfaction Kvaratskhelia feels due to Napoli’s refusal to accept PSG’s offer.
The Road Ahead
For now, the transfer of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG remains a rumor. Napoli is determined to keep their prized asset, and negotiations are ongoing to extend his contract. As the summer transfer window approaches, this saga is one to watch closely.
In the meantime, Napoli continues to rely on their Georgian star as they navigate a challenging period, including their absence from European competitions next season. Whether Kvaratskhelia remains in Naples or makes a high-profile move to Paris, his career trajectory promises to be an exciting one.
