A player Manchester City have reportedly had interest in was at the centre of some drama last night, with his club issuing a statement after comments made by both his father and his agent.
Napoli attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has, in recent times, emerged as one of the most exciting wingers in the world.
The 23-year-old, who fans will be able to see in action for Georgia at Euro 2024 on Tuesday against Turkey, has wowed with his pace, dribbling and technical ability over in Serie A.
He had clocked up 88 appearances for Napoli, and scored 25 goals and made 26 assists since joining in 2022.
Back in November, it was suggested that Manchester City were monitoring Kvaratskhelia.
And now, it’s possible the club will be on red alert with an interesting situation having developed.
Father and agent of Man City target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia want him to leave Napoli
Last night, some quotes began to emerge from Kvaratskhelia’s father and agent.
Fabrizio Romano quoted the player’s agent Mamuka Jugeli on X as saying: “We want to leave Napoli, but now we’re all waiting for the Euro 2024.
“With Conte, Napoli have big plans. I’m sure they will qualify to the Champions League again next season and fight for the Scudetto. But that doesn’t mean that Kvaratskhelia wants to stay there, I don’t mean it.”
Then, Romano published quotes from the player’s father, who also seemingly wants the winger to leave. He said: “I don’t want Khvicha to stay in Napoli.
“He worked with 4 different coaches in 1 year, this worries me a lot – he will decide for himself, although it’s uncomfortable for me.”
This is quite an unusual situation, and then it became even more dramatic when Napoli actually released a statement. Their stance on Kvaratskhelia – described previously as ‘magnificent’ by Thierry Henry – is very clear. They wrote: “In reference to the statements of Kvaratskhelia’s agent, Mamuka Jugeli, and his father Badri, Calcio Napoli reiterates that the player has a contract for another three years with the club.
“Kvaratskhelia is not on the market. It is not the agents or fathers who decide the future of a player under contract with Napoli but the Calcio Napoli club!!! End of the story.”
City must monitor Kvaratskhelia situation
It is not very often you get both a player’s agent and father making comments publicly saying they want a player to leave a club.
Potentially, this could be a situation to keep an eye on for City, who might be seeking reinforcements for the wide areas this summer given the uncertainty over Bernardo Silva and the shift inside by Phil Foden.
Kvaratskhelia is a player David Webb – the assistant manager of Georgia – has previously suggested would be a really good fit for City and does want to play in the Premier League.
The player’s agent has also previously said that he would ‘probably agree’ to play for a big club like City.
Clearly, Napoli don’t want to sell. But it may well be that they don’t want a problem on their hands. Sometimes, clubs’ hands are forced and ultimately, money always talks.
If Kvaratskhelia – who still earns a relatively modest £19,400 per week – digs his heels in it’s possible he could get a move away. That is presuming he shares the feelings of his agent and father – you would imagine he does or else these comments may not have been made.