Liverpool have an ace up their sleeve that could help them sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - opinion
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Liverpool weren’t particularly busy in the summer transfer window, but with the January market now open, they may well look to make some more moves.
The Reds have a good track record when it comes to January signings, such as Virgil van Dijk, Philippe Coutinho, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.
Now, Liverpool are keeping tabs on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a player who may just become available for transfer this month.
Liverpool are the main contenders from England to sign Kvaratskhelia, according to TBR Football sources.
Meanwhile, David Ornstein has reported that Liverpool could consider a move to sign the Georgian star should he become available this month.
It’s worth noting that the Reds have an ace up their sleeve that could help them pull off a move for Kvaratskhelia either this month or in the summer.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would link up with Giorgi Mamardashvili at Liverpool
The ace up Liverpool’s sleeve is Giorgi Mamardashvili, Kvaratskhelia’s teammate at international level.
Liverpool are set to welcome Mamardashvili at Anfield this summer after striking a deal with Valencia last year.
The Georgia international remains on loan at the Liga club but will move to Anfield at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Although Liverpool’s status, trophy cabinet and current form speaks for itself, the draw of having an international teammate at a club cannot be underestimated when it comes to making a big career move.
Mamardashvili clearly rates Kvaratskhelia highly. When asked about the attacker’s threat at Euro 2024, he told Spanish publication Marca: “It think he’s better than all of Spain.”
The duo have played together for Georgia 24 times and are the most high-profile members of the nation, which had a 2024 to remember.
Not only did Mamardashvili and Kvaratskhelia help Georgia reach Euro 2024, but they helped them reach the knockout stages of the competition.
With that in mind, Liverpool may well have the edge when it comes to persuading Kvaratskhelia to pick them over other suitors, and perhaps Mamardashvili can have a word.
What Kvaratskhelia could bring to Liverpool
Whoscored recently wrote about the Reds target: ‘The ability to perform to a high standard with his left brings about an air of unpredictability that could be exploited by Liverpool and Slot.
‘Standing at 6'0, too, Kvaratskhelia is also stockier than traditional wingers, which would help adjust to English football.
‘The two-footedness to his game aids Kvaratskhelia when it comes to getting the better of markers.
‘While this quality has at times been found wanting in Serie A this season – he's second for attempted dribbles (72) but has completed just 19 – he's also proven adept at winning set-pieces for his side in that he has been fouled the 12th most times (33) in Italy's top tier this term. Defenders are going to any lengths to minimise his impact.
‘Even so, Kvaratskhelia's end product has still been of a high standard – 28 goalscoring chances created ranks sixth in Serie A this season, and though this has translated to just three assists; that says more about his teammates' failure to tuck away the chances presented to them by the Napoli man.
‘Considering Kvaratskhelia's style of play, he'd suit a Liverpool side that does look to maximise counter-attacking opportunities.’
