Newcastle United are interested in signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia next year, as the Magpies look to make another statement signing in 2023.
The club’s recruitment has been bang on the money ever since the change of ownership. There have been no flops as of yet, with Alexander Isak boasting the only question mark next to his name. And that is only because he has been limited to three appearances due to injury.
But the Newcastle owners have a clear philosophy with their signings. They aren’t looking to sign blockbuster names with massive reputations. That would only create problems.
Instead, they want emerging talents who can grow and develop at St James’ Park, creating the spine of a team that is being geared up for years of success.
Bruno Guimaraes arrived in January and has just turned 25. Sven Botman is 22 – he could go on to become one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs. And while we haven’t seen much of the aforementioned Isak, he has shown glimpses of why he is going to lead the Newcastle attack into the future. And he’s only 23.
Newcastle have a core of players who are excellent now and have scope to get better, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could be the next addition that fits that brief.
Newcastle want Kvaratskhelia
According to the Times, Newcastle are interested in the 21-year-old winger. The Magpies have been scouting him while he excels for Napoli, and have also done checks to assess his character.
That is an important factor for Howe, and the Times add that the Georgia international is now one of the club’s top targets either for January or next summer.
He is reportedly valued at £50million, but that could prove to be pocket change if he moves to St James’ Park and carries on the form he is currently showing in Italy.
The numbers behind Kvaratskhelia’s incredible start
So far this season, Kvaratskhelia has made 17 appearances for Napoli, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists. He has only tasted defeat once since his move to Italy.
The youngster’s performances have led to Napoli leading Serie A after 15 games, as well as advancing in the Champions League. Kvaratskhelia has not been fazed by his debut campaign in Europe’s elite competition, and terrorised Liverpool in his first game.
His performances are attracting attention from all over Europe. The Times add that Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are interested in him, which speaks volumes of his sublime talent.
Anyone who has watched Kvaratskhelia this season has had something good to say about him. Antonio Cassano described him as ‘phenomenal‘, while Fabio Capello compared him to a Mohamed Salah in his prime. Carlo Ancelotti believes he is ‘special‘, while Thierry Henry thinks it is no wonder the Napoli fans love him.
But will the Newcastle fans get a chance to love him? If he does arrive, he will certainly be a hit on Tyneside.
He could be Ashworth’s best signing yet
The Toon Army love a maverick. That is why Allan Saint-Maximin is adored right now. But Kvaratskhelia is a level above the Frenchman.
The way he runs at defenders is unstoppable. He can change pace in an instant – he slows the game down and lulls the defender in, then in a flash he’s gone. It’s a trick that made Sadio Mane so dangerous.
And Kvaratskhelia has end product. His numbers for Napoli this season prove it. He can score and create, and could take Newcastle to the next level.
At 21, he hasn’t even scratched the surface. We are talking about a player who is performing at such a high level now, and has the capacity to get even better.
Sure, £50million is a lot of money. But just imagine what he will be worth in the future. Bring him in and suddenly two thirds of our front three is set for the next 10 years with Kvaratskhelia and Isak. They could form a lethal partnership together, with the Georgian creating chance after chance for the super Swede.
Ashworth has made some brilliant signings so far, but Kvaratskhelia would be a game-changer in attack. Those kind of players are worth their weight in gold, and it is why Kvaratskhelia could be Ashworth’s best signing yet if he brings the 21-year-old to Tyneside in 2023.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
