Former Everton winger Andrei Kanchelskis believes £18 million Rubin Kazan star Kvicha Kvaratskhelia could follow in his footsteps at Goodison Park, speaking to Soccer RU.
It’s a fickle game, football.
A few months ago, Kvaratshkelia was the most talked-about attacker in the country, the 2020/21 Russian Young Player of the Year and a transfer target for what felt like three-quarters of the Premier League.
Kvaratskhelia himself admitted that he had held talks regarding a potential move to Leeds United.
His agent, meanwhile, confirmed interest from both Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
By the time the transfer window slammed shut on September 1st, however, the Georgian international was still a Rubin Kazan player. And following a summer of relentless speculation, Kvaratskhelia understandably looks a little distracted.
His form this term (one goal and three assists) is a far cry from last season (four goals and eight assists).
Can Kvaratshkelia still move to the Premier League in January?
Nonetheless, Kanchelskis believes a move to England could still be on the cards.
He identifies Everton and Southampton as two clubs in need of a jet-heeled wideman compared to Bayern Munich legends Arjen Robben and Franck Riberty.
“Khvicha’s transfer to Everton is possible,” said Kanchelskis, who spent two seasons at Goodison Park after winning a pair of Premier League titles with Manchester United.
“Everything will depend on Kvaratskhelia. If he quickly learns the language, he will be able to quickly adapt to the Premier League.
“Southampton also has a very competent squad. They can sell and make money on players.”
Kanchelskis believes a potential departure may be hindered by the struggles of other RPL exports in major European leagues.
Russia international striker Aleksandr Kokorin, he points out, has not scored in nine Serie A games since joining Fiorentina 11 months ago.
“RPL (Russian Premier League) players are no longer getting so much attention after the deal with Kokorin,” Kanchelskis adds.
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