Liverpool have ace up their sleeve to make Khvicha Kvaratskhelia switch occur
Liverpool are tracking Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has yet to be offered a new deal at Napoli despite his current contract expiring in 2027
Liverpool could be eyeing up a fresh addition to their forward line after setting their sights on one of Serie A’s standout performers Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Reds manager Arne Slot has remained tight-lipped about potential signings in January, even as his team sits comfortably atop the Premier League table, with a six-point lead and a game in hand.
However, the Merseyside giants are now reportedly showing interest in Napoli’s winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has been a sensation at the club since his transfer from Dinamo Batumi in 2022.
In his debut season, the Georgian international played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first top-tier title in 33 years and has since racked up 107 appearances for the club, netting 30 goals and earning the nickname ‘Kvaradona’.
But his future in Italy is suddenly under a cloud, with no sign of a new contract offer from Napoli’s top brass. Kvaratskhelia’s current contract runs out in 2027, and this uncertainty has seemingly piqued the interest of several European clubs.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool are keeping tabs on the situation. Despite Slot having a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, players like Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez seem to have fallen out of favour, while Federico Chiesa has had limited game time since his summer switch from Juventus, reports the Express.
Interestingly, it’s Chiesa who might be the linchpin in a move for Kvaratskhelia. Reports suggest Napoli are keen on bringing the 27-year-old back to Serie A, potentially paving the way for a swap deal between the two clubs.
Slot seems to have an extra ace up his sleeve. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s national squad buddy, Giorgi Mamardashvili, is already on Liverpool’s books, set to join the Anfield ranks next summer post a loan spell at Valencia following a wrapped-up transfer deal.
The versatile skills of the forward have caught Liverpool’s eye. Although Napoli has favoured using him as a left winger, he’s shown he can also take charge on the right or drop into a centre-forward slot.
However, the Reds aren’t the only ones circling for his signature – PSG and Chelsea are hot on the pursuit too, and with Kvaratskhelia’s youth and growing talent profile, Napoli’s price tag is expected to be hefty.
Slot opened up this week about keeping tabs on the January transfer window. Yet, he underlined his satisfaction with his team’s current roster strength and player calibre.
“This club has always looked at the market,” Slot remarked. “We did this with the goalkeeper [Mamardashvili] that we don’t even have yet. If there is a chance in the market, this club always tries to bring that chance in. The team is in a good place.”
