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Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia completed his move from Italian league leaders Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain on Friday, the French champions announced.
“Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The 23-year-old winger, who will wear number seven, will become the first Georgian player in the club’s history,” a PSG statement said.
No transfer fee was announced, but media reports in France said the Parisians would pay 70 million euros ($72 million) for the player, not including possible bonuses.
The move comes 24 hours after the 23-year-old posted a video on social media in which he told Napoli fans: “It’s hard for me but it’s time to say goodbye.”
The 2023 Scudetto winner, who joined Napoli in 2022 as a bargain purchase from his native Dinamo Batumi, was voted Serie A’s best player this season.
Kvaratskhelia scored 30 goals and provided 29 assists in 107 games in all competitions for Napoli.
He has signed a contract with the Ligue 1 leaders until 2029 and hopes to displace France international Bradley Barcola from his left-wing position in coach Luis Enrique’s starting lineup.
Kvaratskhelia could make his debut for his new club straight away as they travel to Lens on Saturday looking to extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to 10 points over nearest rivals Marseille.
However, he will not be able to play in PSG’s remaining Champions League games this month, at home to Manchester City next Wednesday and away to VfB Stuttgart on January 29.
PSG can only include its new signing in its Champions League squad if it advances to the knockout phase from February.
They are currently one place and one point outside the qualifying places for the play-off round before hosting City in a crucial game at the Parc des Princes.
Kvaratskhelia’s arrival adds a touch of stardust to a PSG team still in transition following Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid at the end of last season.
His signing comes as PSG seeks to offload French center forward Randal Kolo Muani, who is close to joining Juventus on loan after falling out of favor in Paris.
However, reports from France on Friday suggest the move is on hold as PSG have already exhausted their loan player quota, capped at six.
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