Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, I will run to you
Napoli are selling the Kvaradona. My life has less light in it now.
How do I even begin writing a column about Kvicha Kvaratskhelia leaving Napoli? I’m not sure how to type out the wailing and sobbing sounds that I’ll make when it inevitably happens.
If you aren’t aware, the news that the Georgian could leave Napoli this month is gaining more traction every day. Now, if you’re a Napolitano, you’ve probably just started sweating. Or maybe crying. Or both. Especially as Cyril Ngonge is due to leave the club, leaving the only wing options the club has as David Neres and Matteo Politano. No, I will not include Leonardo Spinazzola despite Antonio Conte’s bizarre decision to feature him in a front three. Did it work? I don’t care. It’s still pazzo.
PSG are the front runners for Kvara but Napoli aren’t playing easy to get. They want €80m cash and no exchanges despite PSG’s proposal of Randal Kolo Muani going the other way. Since the news broke that Napoli are considering cashing in, Liverpool and Newcastle United have also emerged as interested parties.
Dusting off and putting my sensible hat on, if an offer is put on the table that is suitable then Napoli should cash in on Kvaratskhelia. Now, before you all march me out of the digital world of Italian football, let me justify it. The Victor Osimhen saga has to be used as a case study of how not to handle contract negotiations and the eventual sale of star talent. He’s currently on loan in the Turkish league and his release clause decreasing as time goes on. Kvaratskhelia’s contract negotiations are very similar to Osimhen’s and if history is anything to go buy, Napoli will pay large wages and include an unrealistic release clause leading to the club biting off way more than they can chew.
Cashing in on Kvaratskhelia will provide funds to bolster the squad, spreading the cash over departments that need some reinforcements. Yes, another winger but also centre-back, a goalkeeper and even another midfielder despite Scott McTominay, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka being world beaters this season.
Kvicha Kvaratskhelia will inevitably leave Naples at some point in the near future. Selling him now and getting a good fee to invest back in the squad is crucial, otherwise, we may see him leaving at a reduced price or even on a free. And that’d be catastrophic. Trust me, it happened to me on Football Manager and I’ve not recovered since.
Selfishly, if I have to see Kvaratskhelia leave Napoli this window then please make it for Newcastle - the club I’ve supported all my life. Can we sign him? Not according to PSR restrictions. Do we need him? Well, we already have Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes but it’s Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. How can you say no?!
I’m the biggest football romantic you‘ll find. More often than not, I’ll go for emotion and narrative over what makes sporting or commercial sense. Kvaratskhelia is a rare player. He raises heartbeats. He gets people up. He evokes passionate outbursts of celebration and jubilation by just taking on a man. Very few players are blessed with the ability he has and not many have got Neapolitans out of their seat like him since a guy called Diego Armando Maradona. When he is at his best, he’s electrifying. A breed of player who can change a game from nothing. Ball at his feet, he has defenders trembling in fear.
From time to time, a player comes along and lifts your spirits and makes you forget about the dystopian direction football is heading in. They make you believe in the art form again. They light up your world so often drowning in unnecessary statistical analysis and mind-numbing content. Kvaratskhelia is one of those players. To me, his style of play is a scarce beacon of hope that the art of football still exists. He stands as the epitome of what football is.
Now, this is direct to you, Kvicha (he’s obviously reading this): Grazie mille, amico. I have loved (and still do) watching you for Napoli. Thank you for number three. Thank you for the goals versus Juventus. Thank you for the way you play football. And if I can ask one thing from you - do not go to PSG and waste your career.
Friday 10th January
Lazio vs Como
Saturday 11th January
Empoli vs Lecce
Udinese vs Atalanta
Torino vs Juventus
Milan vs CagliariSunday 12th January
Genoa vs Parma
Venezia vs Inter
Bologna vs Roma
Napoli vs VeronaMonday 13th January
Monza vs FiorentinaTuesday 14th January
Como vs Milan
Atalanta vs JuventusWednesday 15th January
Inter vs Bologa*Serie B fixtures coming to the newsletter soon…*
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