Currently lighting up Italian football with Napoli, and impressing on the continental stage, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is now being hailed as the next big thing in football, putting the 22-year-old at the centre of widespread transfer speculation.
“Remember the name,” tweeted Gary Lineker. “He’s that good that eventually we’ll all know how to spell it,” referring to the typically English difficulties faced by commentators and pundits, whenever attempting to pronounce foreign player names.
This verbal challenge could actually become a reality for them next season, should just one several interested Premier League clubs land the player next summer, amidst the flurry of media reports.
Performances consistently seem to be matching the media hype, which means that over the coming months, rumours about his long-term future with Napoli will continue to increase. In the meantime, they will be determined to resist offers for this potential superstar.
Serie A leader bracing for offers
Without any shadow of doubt, Kvaratskhelia has become the keystone of an exceptional transformation for Napoli, contributing 11 goals and 9 assists in 22 Serie A games, during a spectacular 2022-23 campaign individually and collectively.
While it may be difficult to avoid the growing sense of euphoria surrounding Napoli, as they race towards the Serie A title, punters are still advised to keep their feet on the ground. This begins via getting honest and unbiased sports betting reviews.
Likewise, comparing the odds available at online bookies is just as important, whenever looking to find the best value. The latter is certainly something that Kvaratskhelia is providing Napoli right now, having cost just €11.5 million last summer.
? Kvaratskhelia named @SerieA_EN Player of the Month for February!
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— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) March 10, 2023
However, that was a bet the Italian side made after monitoring his progress for the last couple of years. And should they choose to cash in, there seem to be no shortage of potential bidders, who could be prepared to splash out a new European record transfer fee.
According to MEN reports, Man City are already looking at Kvaratskhelia with more than just a passing interest. Their neighbours Man Utd are also linked with equal intrigue, although both of the Manchester giants will face stiff competition, with Newcastle United also in the mix.
Inevitably, top European titans are also expected to enter the fray, should any bidding war begin for Kvaratskhelia in the summer. Spanish titans Real Madrid are said to be monitoring the situation, while the player could also be an ideal replacement for Lionel Messi at PSG.
Likened to George Best and Lionel Messi
Due to the wonders Kvaratskhelia has been producing on the pitch, pundits looking for comparisons with other players has become inevitable, although this can sometimes be detrimental. Perhaps more so when they have become an overnight phenomenon.
But during an interview featured in the New York Times recently, there is confidence that things may only get better for this mercurial Georgian talent. “Ever since I arrived, it has felt like being in a dream,” was the honest admission, regarding his time with Napoli so far.
Viewing any praise as “motivation and inspiration” to keep improving, Kvaratskhelia seems humble, despite being likened to global football icons. Already known as “Kvaradona” by many Napoli fans, they are thoroughly enjoying his exciting performances.
When Kvaratskhelia produced a sublime finish against Atalanta in Serie A, his manager couldn’t resist making the same comparison. “It was a goal worthy of Maradona, and that is not something I say lightly,” gushed Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti.
And if such a glowing reference isn’t enough, there are more. “If he goes to Manchester United, the days of George Best will return. Kvaratskhelia is the same,” enthused Italian legend Christian Viera, following speculation the Red Devils are tracking the player.
Being referred to as the “Georgian Messi” has also become frequently common, referencing the freedom that Kvaratskhelia is given to showcase his talents, underpinned by technical ability that is reminiscent of the Argentina superstar at his best.
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