According to Corriere dello Sport, 23-year-old Georgian international Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has decided to honor the trust shown in him by Napoli’s head coach, Antonio Conte, by preparing to sign a long-term contract with the Serie A side.
Conte, who recently took charge of the club, has been clear in his communication that Kvaratskhelia is central to his vision for Napoli’s future. This regular communication included reaching out to Kvaratskhelia during his recent visit to Germany for the European Championship, emphasizing his importance to the team’s plans.
Kvaratskhelia’s decision is largely seen as a gesture of gratitude and loyalty to both Conte and Napoli. Despite receiving lucrative offers and keen interest from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the winger is inclined to continue his development under Conte’s guidance.
PSG, dealing with the departure of Kylian Mbappe, had identified Kvaratskhelia as a prime target and was prepared to offer over €100 million (£84m/$109m) for his services. Additionally, they proposed a contract worth €11 million (£9.28m/$12m) net per season, supplemented with significant add-ons.
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However, Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has taken a firm stance against selling Kvaratskhelia. Despite PSG’s persistent offers, De Laurentiis has categorically ruled out any transfer.
This unwavering support from the club’s hierarchy has played a crucial role in the player’s decision to remain at Napoli. De Laurentiis’s firm position underscores his commitment to building a competitive team around key talents like Kvaratskhelia.
Napoli has proposed a new five-year contract for Kvaratskhelia, starting at €5 million (£4.22m/$5.45m) net per season and gradually increasing to over €7 million (£6m/$7.62m) by the end of the deal.
However, the player’s agent, Mamuka Jugeli, has countered with a request for an €8 million (£6.75m/$8.71m) net annual salary, along with the inclusion of a release clause in the contract.
These negotiations are ongoing, but both parties remain optimistic about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement soon.
Kvaratskhelia’s decision to stay with Napoli comes at a pivotal moment for the club, which is aiming to solidify its position in Italian and European football.
By committing to a long-term future at Napoli, Kvaratskhelia not only honors the faith shown in him by Conte and the club but also signals his belief in the project being built at the club.
This decision will likely resonate well with Napoli fans, who have embraced Kvaratskhelia for his skill and dedication on the field.
Antonio Conte’s influence cannot be overstated in this scenario. Since taking the helm at Napoli, Conte has made significant efforts to integrate Kvaratskhelia into his tactical plans, ensuring that the player feels valued and essential to the team’s success.
Conte’s ability to communicate his vision and build strong relationships with his players has been a hallmark of his managerial career, and it appears to be a decisive factor in Kvaratskhelia’s choice to remain at Napoli.
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As negotiations continue, the focus will be on finalizing a contract that satisfies both the club and the player.
With Kvaratskhelia’s commitment to Napoli, the club can look forward to a period of stability and growth, driven by the talents and contributions of one of the most promising young players in European football.
This development sets the stage for an exciting future for both Kvaratskhelia and Napoli, as they aim to achieve greater success together on both domestic and international fronts.