Reports emerging from Italian website SportMediaSet have indicated that Manchester United are leading the race to sign Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
With new manager Ruben Amorim determined to stick to his guns with a 3-4-3 formation, the Red Devils coach is looking for an outside forward to join the ranks, capable of scoring and assisting from wide areas.
With five goals and two assists in 12 league starts for Italian giants Napoli this season, Kvaratskhelia would appear to fit this bill perfectly. A clever finisher and silky dribbler, he could add an element of class that has been missing from the Man United frontline this season.
We take a look into which clubs are seeking to sign the Georgian international, and who would appear most likely before the market opens.
Current favourites
Manchester United – 2/1
A projection of 2/1 for Man United to sign Kvaratskhelia seems fair given the recent speculation surrounding the club's interest in the player.
Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes deputised in the wide playmaker roles of Amorim's 3-4-3 against Ipswich, but this returned disappointing results given the final scoreline of 1-1.
Garnacho in particular has been disappointing this season, registering three goals and one assist, but coming under heavy scrutiny for his poor finishing and number of big chances missed.
Kvaratskhelia could solve these issues, having racked up 0.32xGOT per 90 minutes this season, indicating he takes high quality shots.
With talks of a contract renewal for Kvaratskhelia yet to bear fruit, the Red Devils seem well placed to pry him from the remainder of his deal, that runs until the summer 0f 2027.
PSG – 6/1
Another contender for the winger's signature, Luis Enrique's PSG are in dire need of some added quality in the January transfer window. Currently with only one win from their opening five Champions League fixtures, it has been a truly catastrophic start for the French giants.
Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola have impressed in Ligue 1, but have failed to make inroads in Europe's top competition.
Kvaratskhelia already boasts two goals and five assists from his two Champions League campaigns with Napoli, and would bring a greater wealth of experience at the top level than Barcola.
Regardless of the question marks over whether the player is truly a fix for PSG, at 23 years of age the Georgian winger has a long road ahead of him and could bolster the ranks of Luis Enrique's side.
We predict 6/1 odds for the winger to move to the French capital.
Barcelona – 10/1
Another team mentioned in the battle for Kvaratskhelia's signature has been Barcelona. Hansi Flick has managed to revitalise an ailing side, managing to grab four wins from their opening five Champions League fixtures.
However, Barca are seen as outsiders to sign the current Napoli forward, as they already have an established wing pairing.
The up-and-coming Lamine Yamal, as well as technical Brazilian wide man Raphinha, have both been in electric form this season, with the latter already racking up seven goal contributions in his five Champions League games this season.
We project 10/1 odds for Kvaratskhelia to join the Spanish juggernauts, as it would prove incredibly difficult for him to break into what is fast-becoming a nailed-on forward line at the club.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
