Kvaratskhelia’s PSG move still haunts naples president

Football fans across Europe still talk about the winter transfer window of 2025. That’s when Paris Saint-Germain made a bold move that sent shockwaves through the transfer market. For a fee of 70 million euros, the French club secured the signature of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, a decision that would later haunt the Italian club’s president.

The timing couldn’t have been better for PSG. With the Georgian winger on board, the club’s fortunes changed dramatically. Under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, the team went on to claim the Champions League trophy the following season, but Kvaratskhelia’s impact was felt even beyond that. His performances in the competition elevated his status further, making him a linchpin for the Parisian side in Europe’s premier club competition.

De Laurentiis’ lingering frustration over the lost gem

Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli’s president, has struggled to come to terms with the loss. The Italian executive, known for his sharp wit and candid remarks, didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment. In a candid interview, he reflected on Kvaratskhelia’s time in Naples, describing how the player had quickly risen to stardom after joining the club. Yet, he also voiced his frustrations over what he saw as a failure to honor contractual obligations, citing issues with the player’s representatives and family.

« In just one year, Kvara became a star in Naples. But he refused to honor his contractual commitments, poorly managed by his agents and family. Comparing him to Maradona is laughable. Maradona was incomparable, one of a kind, and irreplaceable. He wasn’t just a football legend; he was a man of unmatched loyalty to Napoli and its people. A true gem of untold value. »

From Naples to Paris: A tale of two cities

De Laurentiis didn’t stop there. He drew a vivid parallel between Kvaratskhelia’s transfer and the myth of Ulysses, painting a picture of the player as someone who resisted the allure of Naples. « I doubt whether the affection of Paris can ever match the charm of a city like Naples. Founded over 2,500 years ago as Parthenope, Naples carries a mythical legacy—its name even means ‘siren’ in ancient Greek. In the end, Kvara plugged his ears with wax, just like Ulysses, to resist the enchanting song of Naples and ignore our offers to extend his stay. »