Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the MVP of the 2022/23 Serie A season, playing a crucial role in elevating Napoli to the status of Scudetto winners and Champions League quarterfinals.
Though he hasn't been quite as brilliant in 2023/24, the world-class winger is still going strong. Kvaradona has 3 goals and 3 assists in 11 Serie A appearances, and he's been even more decisive on the scoring front for the Georgian national team.
Kvaratskhelia loves Real Madrid Recently, national team manager Willy Sagnol spoke about the transfer interest in Kvaratskhelia and stated that Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich have all shown interest in the Napoli left winger.
Georgia National Team coach Willy Sagnol about Kvicha #Kvaratskhelia's future: "#Barca, #BayernMunich and #RealMadrid are interested in him". #transfers
- Nicolo Schira (@NicoSchira) November 19, 2023
There are so many fans around world football - not just in Naples - who would like to see Kvaratskhelia (and Victor Osimhen) remain with the Azzurri for as long as possible.
Kvaradona, especially, has a close relationship with the fans and city. Just look at his nickname. They don't invoke the name of Diego Armando Maradona for anyone.
But we all know that Kvaratskhelia idolized Guti and Cristiano Ronaldo. He emulated Real Madrid stars growing up in the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia. Most superstars don't say "no" if Los Merengues come knocking.
Kvaradona would be an RW for Madrid Real have a superstar left winger in Vinicius Junior and another star highly capable in that position, Rodrygo Goes. Endrick will be on his way. Kylian Mbappe continues to be linked with the Merengue club.
It's entirely plausible for Los Blancos to not go after Kvaratskhelia because of these options, but if there is mutual interest, would they really turn down that opportunity?
Like Brahim Diaz, Kvaradona is ambipedal. He can easily be just as good on the right wing, which is an area Real could want to address.
Bayern Munich are loaded on the wings, too. They have Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, Mathysl Tel, and even Jamal Musiala as youngsters. And they are a factory when it comes to identifying and developing attacking talents, as Tel and Musiala can attest.
Barcelona need Kvaratskhelia more Finally, Barcelona may actually have the biggest need, though their financial situation is still complicated.
Barca sold Ousmane Dembele and do not have enough dynamic wingers. Raphinha has his positives but remains a question mark. Lamine Yamal is a great talent but still young. Joao Felix is more of a secondary striker. Ansu Fati could return on loan, but he is more of a "finisher" than an explosive winger.
Would Kvaratskhelia be willing to turn away from his childhood club to sign with Barcelona? Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seemingly did.
Kvaratskhelia's future is very likely in Naples, but if he were to leave, it could very well come down to another forward transfer battle between eternal rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In that situation, the ball would be in Madrid's court. If they want him badly enough on the wings, they could go for it. But with Rodrygo and Vini Jr. valued highly, it's a toss-up.
Former editor of The Real Champs and Old Juve, covering Real Madrid and Juventus
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