OFFICIAL: PSG Announces The Signing Of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia As He Secures A 5x Salary Increase And Will Wear Mbappe’s Iconic Number.

Paris Saint-Germain has officially announced the signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli for €70m.

This is the biggest transfer of this winter transfer window.

The 23-year-old winger, will become the first Georgian player in the French club's illustrious history, PSG declared in a statement on Friday evening.

He signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Parisian giants, running until the summer of 2029.

He will wear the number 7 shirt previously worn by Kylian Mbappé, who departed the club on a free transfer to Real Madrid last summer.

 

🆕✍️#WelcomeKvara pic.twitter.com/QGTPwCjMW6

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 17, 2025

Following months of speculation and negotiations. Kvaratskhelia had been PSG’s top target to replace Mbappé during the summer transfer window. Khvicha had reportedly even agreed to the move, discussing personal contract details with the Parisian club. However, The negotiations faced challenges, particularly due to Napoli's firm stance, as they refused to sell the player for anything less than €150 million.

Kvaratskhelia on the other hand, opted not to extend his contract with Napoli, which was set to run until 2027, seeking to elevate his career after being a pivotal figure in their surprise title triumph.

It was also suggested that Napoli would sell the Georgian star if they couldn’t reach an agreement on the extension so as not to risk losing him on a free.

Two seasons ago (2022-23), he took Serie A by storm with Luciano Spalletti as manager, Victor Osimhen up front (31 goals in 38 games) and a strong supporting cast in securing their first "Scudetto" in 33 years and since the days of Maradona. 

The former Dinamo Batumi winger, signed for a €13.3m fee in July 2022, was breathtaking on the left wing, with his 12 goals and 13 assists in 34 league matches for the Neapolitans that season.

He was named Serie A player of the season and Champions League young player of the campaign too (two goals, four assists in nine games) making him one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe at that time. 

During his three years at Napoli, Kvaratskhelia established himself as one of Europe’s top attacking players, scoring 30 goals and providing 29 assists. 

Although his visibility had diminished, he still managed to score 11 goals and provide 8 assists in the previous season.

The club has now agreed to release their star player with the move being preceded by a statement from Napoli’s manager, Antonio Conte, who revealed last week that Kvaratskhelia had requested a transfer out of the club with immediate effect.

This news didn't go down we with Napoli supporters, with some expressing their anger by throwing cardboard cutouts of Kvaratskhelia into the trash in protest.

Khvicha addressed the Napoli fans in an emotional farewell video:

"This is hard for me, but it’s time to say goodbye. I’ve had an incredible time here. We’ve shared so many memories and experienced amazing emotions together. Naples was my home, where I felt wonderful, thanks to each one of you.

"The journey we took is still in my thoughts, and it’s very emotional. I remember my first goal and the feelings that I’ll never forget."

"I’m saying goodbye, but you’ll always be in my heart. I hope we meet again. I know your hearts are broken now, but one day I’ll tell you everything. I want to wish you success and hope you bring more Scudettos and a championship title to this city and its people."

The more notable financial detail is the substantial increase in Khvicha’s salary in Paris compared to Naples. While Kvaratskhelia earned €1.8 million annually in Italy, his salary in France is reportedly now five times higher.

"He is one of the most exciting players in world football, who prioritizes teamwork above all," highlighted PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi sharing his thoughts on the signing.

"We are delighted to welcome Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to the Paris Saint-Germain family. He is a fantastic talent but also someone who plays with courage and puts the team above all else.

"Khvicha was determined to become part of our great club. I’m confident he will achieve all his goals with us."

Expressing his delight on his arrival at Parc des Princes, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia expressed his excitement:

"It’s a dream to be here. I’ve heard so many positive things about PSG. It’s a tremendous honor to join this great club, and I can’t wait to wear my new colours," he said.

𝐾ℎ𝑣𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎 𝐾𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑠𝑘ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑎: “It’s a dream come true to be here. I feel immense pride joining this great club and can’t wait to wear my new colors.” ✨#WelcomeKvara ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/yNrz6MBS1k 

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 17, 2025