Speaking to the New York Times, Oleg Yarovinski, Rubin Kazan’s General Manager has been discussing the interest shown in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during his time in Russia.
The winger is now making his name as one of the very best players in Europe – tearing Serie A to shreds for Napoli as of late, but he could’ve ended up at Spurs.
Indeed, The Times’ article credits Spurs with an interest in the Georgian, while Yarovinski says that both Spurs and Juventus were fans of the winger, but decided against signing him.
Spurs were keen
The Times’ article claimed that Tottenham wanted the Georgian when he was younger.
‘A host of major teams across the continent had been aware of his gifts while he was in Russia, if not before. Juventus and Tottenham had watched him. Napoli had been tracking him for two years,’ The article reads.
Yarovinski was then asked about the transfer links, but he states that no offers came in.
“He was a little bit of a victim, in a way,” Yarovinski said.
“They liked him, but maybe they did not need him.” He stated, claiming that Kazan hadn’t received a single concrete offer at the time.
Missed out
Tottenham were keen on the young star before his move to Napoli, and it looks like they’ve missed out massively here.
Kvaratskhelia is now genuinely one of the very best players on the continent. He’s recently been compared to Mo Salah, while Real Madrid and PSG are keen.
It’s hard not to sympathise with Spurs here. After all, how many players from the Russian League have become stars in recent years? But with a bit more due diligence and scouting, Tottenham would surely have seen that ‘Kvaradona’ had the potential to be a superstar in one of the world’s best leagues.
Kvaratskhelia is set for big things and Spurs have probably now missed their only chance to sign him.
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