Some called him the “Georgian Messi,” while others referred to him as “Kvaradona” or “Kvarinha.” But it’s the nickname “Kvaradona” that truly resonated with fans of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the talented Georgian winger. Now, the former Napoli star has signed with French club PSG, with a contract lasting until June 2029.
According to ESPN, PSG is paying Napoli a transfer fee of €60 million for Kvaratskhelia, along with an additional €10 million in add-ons. The 23-year-old winger was originally under contract with Napoli until 2027.
Kvaratskhelia becomes PSG’s first signing in the January transfer window. The French club had been pursuing him since last season, particularly after Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid seemed inevitable. However, Napoli was reluctant to let him go. Last week, Napoli coach Antonio Conte revealed that Kvaratskhelia had requested a transfer, ultimately paving the way for the deal.
After officially joining PSG, Kvaratskhelia expressed his excitement: “It’s always been a dream to come here. I’ve heard so many positive things about Paris Saint-Germain, and I feel proud to be part of this club.” Before signing with PSG, the winger was also linked to Liverpool, Manchester United, and Barcelona.
Kvaratskhelia joined Napoli in 2022 for €13.3 million and made an immediate impact, helping the club win the Serie A title in his debut season — their first league triumph in 33 years since Diego Maradona’s legendary era.
This season, the 2024–25 campaign, Kvaratskhelia has scored 5 goals and provided 3 assists in 19 matches for Napoli. He could make his PSG debut as early as today in a Ligue 1 match against Lens. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi praised the winger, saying, “Khvicha is not just one of the most exciting players in football today, but also a fierce competitor with a courageous spirit.”
In Ligue 1, PSG currently leads the table with 43 points from 17 matches, seven points clear of second-placed Marseille. However, their UEFA Champions League campaign has been shaky. PSG sits 25th out of 36 teams after six rounds, needing to finish in the top 24 to qualify for the knockout stage. Their next Champions League match is on Wednesday against Manchester City.
