In January 2025, Paris Saint-Germain executed one of their most strategic winter transfers, securing the talents of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli for a reported fee of €70 million. This acquisition marked a turning point for the French capital’s club, transforming their approach in European competitions under Luis Enrique’s leadership.

The arrival of the Georgian forward injected new energy into the PSG squad, which had already clinched the Champions League the previous season. However, this campaign saw Kvaratskhelia elevate his game to another level, becoming the linchpin of the team’s offensive strategy in the tournament. His performances have left a bitter aftertaste for Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, who had initially rejected Paris’s advances over financial discrepancies.

Napoli’s president vents frustration over missed opportunity

In a candid interview, De Laurentiis expressed his lingering disappointment, stating, « In just one year, Kvara became a star in Napoli. However, his contractual commitments were poorly managed by his agents and family. Comparing him to Maradona is laughable—Maradona was one of a kind, irreplaceable, and a true icon of Napoli. He was a priceless gem. »

«Naples’ siren song failed to lure Kvaratskhelia»

He continued, « I doubt Paris’s affection for their player will ever match the warmth of Naples. This city, founded over 2,500 years ago as Parthenope—meaning ‘siren’ in ancient Greek—has a magnetic pull. Yet Kvara, like Ulysses, plugged his ears to resist the allure of Napoli’s siren song and ignored our attempts to extend his stay. »