'I'm told': Fabrizio Romano shares the one reason why Liverpool actually could not sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Today at 08:15 AM
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia looks like he is on the verge of leaving Napoli in favour of a move to Paris Saint-Germain this month.
PSG beat Liverpool to Kvaratskhelia’s signature, who has etched his reputation as one of Europe’s most feared wingers for a few years now.
With Arne Slot’s side already having a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, Khvicha Kvaratskehlia seemed like the perfect marquee signing to further strengthen their chances of winning the title.
Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
1 | LiverpoolLiverpool | 20 | 14 | 5 | 1 | 48 | 20 | 28 | 47 |
2 | ArsenalArsenal | 21 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 41 | 19 | 22 | 43 |
3 | Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 21 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 41 |
4 | NewcastleNewcastle | 21 | 11 | 5 | 5 | 37 | 22 | 15 | 38 |
Furthermore, Liverpool have not shied away from bolstering their squad in the winter transfer window — with Luis Suarez, Virgil van Dijk and Luiz Diaz all heading to Anfield in January.
Liverpool admired Kvaratskhelia, who is one of the best wide forwards in world football.
Considering Arne Slot has proven that the Reds could succeed under him just like they did under Jurgen Klopp, the red side of Merseyside remains one of the most attractive destinations for the best of the best.
Liverpool could not sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia because of his wages
The 23-year-old could have competed with Cody Gakpo on the left-wing, with Luis Diaz faring brilliantly as a striker in Slot’s system this season.
TBR Football exclusively revealed last month that Liverpool wished to approach Kvaratskhelia if a deal was doable as well.
On GiveMeSport, journalist Ben Jacobs asked Fabrizio Romano whether the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea tried to hijack Kvaratskhelia’s imminent move to PSG.
“Fabrizio, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is on his way to PSG, there’s a verbal agreement in place. Give us the details of how quickly that will be finalised and formalised and did any Premier League clubs like Chelsea or Liverpool try to hijack the deal?”
However, Fabrizio Romano revealed that PSG intend to hand Kvaratskhelia a four-fold increase in his weekly wages; figures both Liverpool and Chelsea were unwilling to match.
“Not trying to hijack but they were well informed on the decision, maybe the deal can collapse and so you have to be ready, it’s a big opportunity like Kvaratskhelia on the market so English clubs were informed.”
The Italian journalist added: “But from what I’m told, they didn’t go for that also because of the salary. The salary that Kvaratskhelia will receive at Paris Saint-Germain is a very big salary. My personal opinion, well-deserved because he was at a very small salary at Napoli and he wanted to have an important contract.”
“So that’s why the player also accepted Paris Saint-Germain immediately, he’s going to be earning four or five times more than he’s earning at Napoli right now and it will be finalised in hours, days when everything is okay between both clubs.”
The Georgian international is expected to sign for PSG for a €70 million (£58.9 million) fee shortly.
What former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said about Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Jurgen Klopp lauded Kvaratskhelia in November 2022 when Liverpool beat Napoli 2-0 in the Champions League.
“He has speed, he is cheeky, he goes inside, he can go outside, that makes it always really difficult.”
“A good player and I thought Trent [Alexander-Arnold] played a really good game against him, he was really on fire, he was really in, didn't get frustrated by one or two situations where he was second-best, stayed in the game and I liked Trent's game tonight.”
Kvaratskhelia has been labelled a “top player” and he seemed tailor-made to set the world alight in Arne Slot’s high-flying Liverpool side.
The 23-year-old’s mazy dribbling, impeccable technique and searing pace are all attributes that explain why the Reds were interested in signing him in the first place.
But Liverpool’s transfer policy seems set in stone.
After their 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, the league leaders will be shifting their entire focus on bouncing back against Brentford as what transpires on the pitch would remain their biggest priority.