The French champions announced on Friday that Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli, the Italian league leaders.
“Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The 23-year-old winger, who will wear number seven, becomes the first Georgian player in the club’s history”, said a PSG statement.
No transfer fee was disclosed, but according to French media reports, the Parisians would pay the player 70 million euros ($72 million), not including any potential bonuses.
The 23-year-old made the announcement after posting a video on social media saying “it’s hard for me but it’s time to say goodbye” to Napoli fans 24 hours later.
He continued, “It’s an honor to be able to wear the PSG shirt,” he said in a Friday interview with the PSG website.
“It was a dream for me to play for one of the world’s biggest teams.” I’m very proud, it’s a dream and we’re going to fight together to fulfil our dreams. I’m very happy”.
The 2023 Scudetto winner, who arrived at Napoli in 2022 as a bargain buy from Dinamo Batumi in his homeland, was voted Serie A’s best player that season.
In all 107 matches for Napoli, Kvaratskhelia scored 30 goals and assisted 29 in total.
He will attempt to replace France international Bradley Barcola from his left-wing position in coach Luis Enrique’s starting lineup and has signed a contract until 2029 with the Ligue 1 leaders.
Kvaratskhelia’s new team could make its debut on Saturday when they travel to Lens, looking to increase their lead in Ligue 1 to 10 points from nearest rivals Marseille.
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The PSG x Jordan 24/25 fourth collection coming soon! #WelcomeKvara pic. twitter.com/MFp1uQFFNp
However, he will not be able to participate in PSG’s final Champions League games against Manchester City on January 29 at home and at VfB Stuttgart on January 29.
PSG’s Champions League squad will only be able to add their new signing if they advance past the start of February’s knockout phase.
Before hosting City in a crucial match at the Parc des Princes, they are currently one place and one point outside the play-off round’s qualifying spots.
“The project is what convinced me to come here”, added Kvaratskhelia.
“I am aware of the goals and methods used by the club to work with players.” Many top players have played here, so I didn’t give it much thought when I had the chance to travel to Paris because of who I am.
Kvaratskhelia’s arrival adds a dash of stardust to a PSG side that is still adapting following Kylian Mbappe’s departure from Real Madrid at the end of the previous season.
Randal Kolo Muani, who has been on the verge of moving to Juventus on a loan after falling out of favor in Paris, will now be a part of PSG’s attempt to offload the French international.
However, reports in France on Friday suggested that the switch has been postponed because PSG has already met its six-player quota.
Source: Channels TV
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