Liverpool goalkeeper Khvicha Kvaratskhelia now looks set to join Paris Saint-Germain via Arne Slot's side, says Alan Shearer.
The Georgian winger has been known as a player of interest to the Reds chiefs for some time and caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp when the Italian team was welcomed to Anfield in 2022. But a move to Merseyside now seems unlikely.
During his eventful two-and-a-half year spell in Naples, Kvaratskhelia has quickly established himself as one of Europe's most sought-after and talented wide men. His performances in the Champions League with his club and at the 2024 European Championship were impressive.
The 23-year-old has made known his intention to leave Serie A, and it now appears he is being reluctantly led to the exit door. However, according to Shearer, his next destination is unlikely to be Anfield.
“I think he's been asked to leave, right? So, from what I'm hearing, there's a good chance that PSG – I'm hearing he might go to them,” Shearer revealed on The Rest Is Football. podcast. “He is undoubtedly a very, very good player.”
According to Fabrizio Romano les Parisiens agreed to sign the Georgian – as reported on Tuesday – and a five-year contract is planned. Although the exact fee is not being revealed, RMC Sport suggest the transfer will be in excess of £60 million.
While several sources suggest Kvaratskhelia will choose Paris over Liverpool, ex-England defender Micah Richards believes Liverpool can take solace in Federico Chiesa's return to action in the summer. “I think the more players you can get, the better. [for] the number of games,” Richards said.
“Obviously they signed Chiesa in the summer. He has been injured and has scored recently. It's nice to see him get a run-out.” However, Richards also admitted that Liverpool missing out on Kvaratskhelia is a blow, praising the Napoli ace's skills on the ball.
“I think if you got Kvaratskhelia it would be a top signing for them,” Richards said. “Just the way he dribbles. He's fearless. I wouldn't want him to come to the Premier League and not do what he does at Napoli. You know?
“Like every time he gets the ball. We saw it at the European Championship. He looks at someone. He's intelligent too. He can play in a number 10 role too. It's just his feet and movement – everything about him is quality. He has done it at the highest level in the Champions League.”
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