Reports suggest that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a rising star in European football and a rumored target for Liverpool, is set to sign a new contract with Napoli that will keep him with the Serie A leaders until 2028.
The 22-year-old Georgian winger has had a phenomenal breakout year with Napoli, scoring 14 goals and providing 16 assists in all competitions.
His performance has earned him a reputation as one of the most sought-after players in Europe, with a valuation of £90m by Napoli.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to remain at Napoli
While Liverpool had been linked with Kvaratskhelia, it appears that he will remain with Napoli for the foreseeable future, with the new contract almost doubling his salary and making him one of the highest-paid players on the team.
Kvaratskhelia has found a home in Napoli under a manager who knows how to bring out the best in him, and staying in Italy will allow him to continue his development and increase his transfer valuation.
Kvaratskhelia’s decision to stay with Napoli will be a blow for Liverpool, who could have been an ideal fit for the talented winger.
However, the young Georgian has the world at his feet after an outstanding debut season in a top-five European league.
He has been instrumental in Napoli’s transformation this season, helping them to a commanding lead in Serie A and a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The news of Kvaratskhelia’s new contract has surprised fans, who were expecting a significant wage increase.
While his reported annual salary of €4 million per year, including bonus payments, equates to around £67,000-a-week, it is lower than many had anticipated given his exceptional talent and potential.
Nevertheless, Kvaratskhelia’s decision to commit to Napoli is the right move for him at this stage in his career, and it will be interesting to see how he continues to develop under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti.