The agent of reported Liverpool transfer target Khivcha Kvaratskhelia has claimed that his client won’t be leaving Napoli in January.
Kvaratskhelia has been fantastic for the Serie A leaders this season, leading to rumours of a high-profile exit. But speaking to Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, agent Christian Emile says there’s no way he’ll join Liverpool, or any side, in the winter window.
“You know what’s crazy? He’s done what he’s been doing in Russia and Europe for the past couple of years. He’s come to Napoli, he’s been brilliant, and people are talking about €100m [£87m],” he said.
“For me, if he continues to perform like this until the end of the season and next season, because there’s a 0% chance they sell him [in January], he will reach €100m for sure.”
That sounds like a lot of money for a player with less than half a season under his belt at the top level. If he keeps going the way he is though, someone will no doubt be willing to pay it.
Midfield Liverpool’s priority in the winter window
Should Liverpool be looking at a forward addition in the January window, Kvaratskhelia should be top of the list.
The Reds got to see first-hand the kind of destruction he can do midweek at Anfield. Perhaps he wasn’t quite at his lightning best, but he still looked like making something happen, especially in the first half.
His pace is obviously the most eye-catching thing about him. Jurgen Klopp noticed as much. But his all-round game also looked to be surprisingly mature.
Not content with terrorising Trent Alexander-Arnold down the left side, he also displayed an impressive range of passing. He continuously switched play with Virgil Van Dijk esque cross-field pings.
On this display, the potential of the 21-year-old is pretty plain to see.
With Liverpool looking a little one-paced so far this season, Kvaratskhelia would instantly breed life into them. In the manner that Luis Diaz was at the start of this year, he could be the shot in the arm they need. According to reports, they could be looking to do just that.
However, a forward shouldn’t be Klopp’s priority in the market. Liverpool are notoriously reticent to make mid-season additions unless absolutely necessary.
Well, plainly, a midfield signing couldn’t be more necessary. Unless they get encouragement contrary to these quotes, they’ll surely wait until summer to pursue a deal for Kvaratskhelia, or someone like him, anyway.
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