Barcelona’s Failed €70m Move for Kvaratskhelia Revealed Ahead of PSG Clash

According to a report by Barca Universal published on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Barcelona came close to pursuing a deal for Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in 2024, when former manager Xavi Hernandez identified the need to strengthen the team’s left flank.

The Catalan club reportedly made contact with the winger’s agent, Mamuka Jugeli, as they explored the possibility of bringing him to Spain. Kvaratskhelia was said to be interested in playing in La Liga, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid viewed as attractive destinations. However, the transfer ultimately proved difficult to complete.

Barcelona reportedly found it easier to establish a potential agreement with the player than to negotiate with Napoli. Kvaratskhelia was earning a relatively modest salary in Italy, while the terms of Napoli’s proposed contract renewal allegedly fell short of reflecting his growing reputation and value in the transfer market.

Napoli’s asking price quickly emerged as a major obstacle. The Italian club reportedly demanded €70 million for the winger and wanted almost the entire fee paid upfront. Barcelona’s financial difficulties at the time made it challenging to meet those conditions.

The discussions continued into April 2024, with Barcelona seeking additional time to determine whether a deal was financially possible. Their ability to proceed reportedly depended on generating funds through the sale of a prominent first-team player.

Sporting director Deco considered the possibility of Raphinha leaving for Saudi Arabia as a potential way to finance Kvaratskhelia’s arrival. However, Barcelona’s transfer plans changed following Xavi’s departure and the appointment of Hansi Flick as head coach.

Flick was keen to retain important members of the squad and reportedly convinced Raphinha to remain at the club. The Brazilian’s decision removed a potential source of transfer revenue, making Barcelona’s pursuit of the Georgian winger increasingly difficult.

The club eventually completed a relatively restrained transfer window, signing Dani Olmo and Pau Victor without securing Kvaratskhelia’s services.

The winger later joined Paris Saint-Germain in January 2025 in a deal reportedly worth €80 million. With reports suggesting that PSG are considering extending his contract until 2031, a return to Barcelona’s transfer plans appears increasingly unlikely.

Barcelona will now have the opportunity to see Kvaratskhelia in action against them when they face PSG in the Champions League. The encounter provides an intriguing reminder of a transfer pursuit that never materialised, despite the Catalan club’s reported interest in securing his signature.

Yommiee feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com