Newcastle United are believed to have put a huge offer of £82m on the table for Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Last season United smashed their club-record transfer fee with the signing of Swedish striker Alexander Isak and recently they spent another £60m on AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali.
But why does Toon boss Eddie Howe now want to spend big again on exciting Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia?
The skilled wide man made his move to Napoli from Dinamo Batumi last summer in a deal worth around €10-12m. Fast forward to the present, the transfer looks an absolute bargain as in his first season in Naples he helped Napoli win their first league title in 33 years. Coupled with the Serie A title success Kvaratskhelia was able to contribute 12 goals and 10 assists (with an extra two goals and four assists in their Champions League run to the last eight).
Comparisons have even been made between Kvaratskhelia and Napoli icon Diego Maradona. This is due to the similarities in their dribbling techniques, which is one of the biggest compliments a Napoli player can receive from supporters. When attacking down the left flank, Kvaratskhelia can take it both ways by either cutting inside for a shot with his right foot or driving down the line for a cross with his left foot.
If he ever does join the Premier League, he certainly has the attributes to fit into the style of the league. Not only can he be patient when his team has possession, but if his side is ever having to defend, he can be a lethal weapon on the counterattack with his pace and first-class decision-making.
The Georgian international would light up the English top flight with his overall play which is electrifying when he is in full flow.
In terms of fitting the Newcastle system, it is very close to how Napoli set up. Both sides typically use a 4-3-3 formation which focuses on wide play. This makes the transfer add up in lots of ways as Kvaratskhelia can slip into a system he is already familiar with.
Newcastle are also looking to move Allan Saint-Maximin on, which would free up a place on the left-wing. However, in January the Magpies did bring in Anthony Gordon for £45m, so there would be fierce competition for that left-wing position. Gordon was recently named under-21 Euro 2023 player of the tournament, after guiding England to the title.
Newcastle will be also fighting in Europe next season after qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 2002-03 campaign. So, squad depth will be needed to allow Howe and his squad to fight on all fronts in the 2023-24 season.
Even though the Kvaratskhelia transfer is a very appealing prospect to Newcastle supporters, it is unclear whether it will finally go through. Kvaratskhelia is one of the hottest prospects in European football and even an offer of £82m may not be enough for Napoli to accept. But if the move can be pulled off, it will be a serious statement from Newcastle.
