Paris Saint‑Germain have apparently fended off a late challenge from Liverpool for the services of Georgia’s breakout winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, according to veteran transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. While the exact fee has not been revealed, the report suggests PSG were able to close the race before the English side could finalise their approach.
Romano’s scoop on the failed Liverpool bid
According to Fabrizio Romano reporting for The Empire of The Kop, “
Liverpool tried to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but this is why PSG won the race instead.” Romano’s source, unnamed but described as “close to the negotiations”, indicated that Liverpool’s interest surfaced only after Kvaratskhelia’s ACL injury against Barcelona, but PSG’s pre‑emptive move sealed the deal.
Who is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?
The 23‑year‑old left‑footed winger burst onto the European scene with Dinamo Tbilisi before moving to Russian side Rubin Kazan, and later to Napoli where he became a fan favourite with his dribbling flair and eye‑for‑goal. In the 2023‑24 season he recorded 12 goals and 9 assists in Serie A, earning a call‑up to the Georgia national team and the nickname “Georgian Messi”. His market value, as tracked by Transfermarkt, peaked at around €85 million after his Napoli performances, while current estimates hover near €80 million following his move to Paris.
Kvaratskhelia signed a five‑year contract with PSG in the summer of 2024, committing him to the French capital until 2029. The transfer fee was not disclosed, but Napoli’s reported valuation of the player at €70 million suggests PSG likely paid a similar figure, possibly with add‑ons tied to future performance.
Analysis: Does the unknown fee make sense?
Given Kvaratskhelia’s age, positional scarcity, and recent injury, an undisclosed fee in the €70‑80 million range would be considered a fair price. It sits slightly below his market peak, reflecting the risk associated with his ACL rupture, yet still represents a premium for a winger of his calibre. If PSG indeed matched or outbid Liverpool, it underscores the club’s willingness to invest heavily in young talent to sustain their Champions League ambitions.
What the injury means for PSG’s plans
While the winger’s recovery timeline remains uncertain – Luis Enrique has warned he may miss the remainder of the season – PSG appear confident they have secured the player’s long‑term services. The club’s medical team is reportedly optimistic about a return next season, and the transfer fee (however undisclosed) reflects a strategic gamble on future impact rather than immediate availability.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s pursuit of Kvaratskhelia highlights the Premier League side’s desire to bolster their attacking options after a mixed campaign. With the transfer window now closed, they will need to look elsewhere to replace the creative spark they missed out on. Reliability: 3/5
The claim rests primarily on Fabrizio Romano’s report via The Empire of The Kop, a source known for accurate transfer news but not yet corroborated by club statements or additional media outlets. As such, the information is plausible but still carries moderate uncertainty.
