Title-chasing Napoli faces the prospect of losing another pivotal player from its recent Serie A triumph, as coach Antonio Conte confirmed on Saturday that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has requested to leave the club during the January transfer window. Reports indicate that the 23-year-old winger’s representatives are already in discussions with Paris Saint-Germain regarding a potential move.
Conte expressed his disappointment over Kvaratskhelia’s decision, stating, “He asked the club to be sold. I spoke to the player who confirmed this decision to me. I am disappointed; it was a bolt from the blue, and I am taking a step back.” He emphasized that he never intended to keep Kvaratskhelia against his will, recalling that he had hoped to convince the player of the club’s project last summer.
Since joining Napoli in 2022 from Dinamo Batumi for a reported fee of 10 million euros, Kvaratskhelia has emerged as a key figure in the team’s success, contributing significantly to their first Serie A title in 33 years. His impressive performances earned him the nickname “Kvaradona,” a nod to club legend Diego Maradona. Despite the departure of title-winning coach Luciano Spalletti and a challenging previous season that saw Napoli finish in 10th place, the club managed to retain both Kvaratskhelia and top goal-scorer Victor Osimhen. However, with Osimhen now on loan to Galatasaray, Conte appears resigned to the fact that Kvaratskhelia may soon follow suit, as PSG eyes him as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappé.
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