If you’ve been keeping up with the latest in Europe, you might have heard of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Napoli’s new number 77 has been in fine form since making his debut for the club. And his most recent performance came against six-time Champions League winners Liverpool in Napoli’s 4-1 win over them.
The winger provided the assist for Giovanni Simeone’s debut Champions League goal, and terrorised the defense with his dazzling footwork. In five Serie A games, he has already scored four times and provided one assist.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – The Napoli youngster making waves in Europe
Here is what Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli had to say about the Georgian: “The first time I watched Khvicha in action was during the lockdown. He was 19 but was already very good with the ball at his feet. I watched him with Rino Gattuso, and I remember we called Kaladze to find out more about this youngster.
“He was playing for Rubin Kazan, but they wanted €30m, so we immediately ended negotiations. We were chasing Victor Osimhen at the time, so we couldn’t spend that much, but he remained in my thoughts. When the war in Ukraine began, he returned to Georgia, to Dinamo Batumi, so we rushed there with a contract and signed him for €10m.
We were quicker than Roma, Juventus and Real Sociedad. He’s always been on our radar.”
For €10 million, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is proving to be an absolute steal. And if he keeps performing at his current level, he could truly live up to his nickname – Kvaradona.
