EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Liverpool and Newcastle United are both huge admirers of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia but Manchester City had a scout watching the Napoli winger during Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League last-16.
HITC Football understands that, as two continental giants went head-to-head at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium, a scout working on behalf of Premier League champions Manchester City was in the stands. And it is believed the presence of the reigning Serie A Player of the Year was the main reason for that midwek trip to Catalonia.
Pep Guardiola’s side are keeping tabs on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and have done so ever since his bargain switch to Italy from Dinamo Batumi back in 2022. Liverpool and Newcastle United are also massive fans of the Georgia international, who’s eye for the spectacular and his refreshing, almost ‘street footballer’ skillset making him nothing short of a revelation as Napoli won the Scudetto for the first time since Diego Maradona’s heyday.
Kvaratskhelia has even been nicknamed ‘Kvaradona’ by some. As far as compliments go, this is about as good as it gets for a footballer wearing the baby blue of Napoli. Also likened to the legendary George Best due to his mop of brown hair and his penchant for bamboozling full-backs – ‘Georgian Best’ anyone? – Napoli are likely to face a major test of their resolve with clubs all over Europe chasing both Kvaratskhelia and centre-forward Victor Osimhen.
Manchester City scout Khvicha Kvaratskheli
HITC has been told, however, that Napoli are likely to resist offers for Kvaratskhelia. They expect to lose Osimhen this summer, and have little interest in cashing in on both of their star duo.
After a sluggish start to 2023/24, Kvaratskhelia has found form again in recent times, dispelling those ‘one season wonder’ accusations. He’s scored 10 goals and provided six assists this term, cutting in to devastating effect from the left wing.
His agent, meanwhile, insists that a departure cannot be ruled out. Even if Napoli are reported to be demanding around £85 million (ESPN).
“As regards the future, we are talking with the club. We will see what will happen,” Kvaratskhelia’s representative said a few days ago. “He will leave if Napoli receive an offer that they can’t refuse”
“I can’t talk about a specific amount. These are (president Aurelio) De Laurentiis’s assessments. Everything will be clear at the end of May.”
Worrying sign for Jack Grealish
Liverpool’s interest comes at a time in which Mo Salah’s future is again under question. As for Manchester City, the injured and out-of-form Jack Grealish is likely to see his own future cast into doubt should the treble-winners bring in another right-footed wideman who likes to operate from the left.
“He has sensitivity in his dribbling. Caressing the ball. Bringing in those feints that are so difficult to defend against,” said former Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, likening Kvaratskhelia’s cut-inside-and-curl approach to that of Salah at Liverpool.
“Mo Salah is one of those guys who has this quality in the tight spaces and in finishing so precisely. He doesn’t feel the pressure.
“(Kvaratskhelia) will have a great future.”
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