Kvaratskhelia signs for Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli

Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on Friday completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain from Italian league leaders Napoli, 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, becomes the first Georgian player in the club’s history,” said a PSG statement.

No transfer fee was revealed but media reports in France said the Parisians would pay 70 million euros ($72 million), not including potential bonuses, for the player.

The move comes 24 hours after the 23-year-old posted a video on social media telling Napoli fans “it’s hard for me but it’s time to say goodbye”.

“It’s an honour to be able to wear the PSG shirt,” he added in an interview with the PSG website on Friday.

“It was a dream for me to play for one of the biggest teams in the world. I’m very proud, it’s a dream and we’re going to fight together to fulfil our dreams. I’m very happy.”

The 2023 Scudetto winner, who arrived at Napoli in 2022 as a bargain buy from Dinamo Batumi in his homeland, was voted Serie A’s best player that season.

Kvaratskhelia scored 30 goals and provided 29 assists in 107 matches in all competitions for Napoli.

He has signed a contract until 2029 with the Ligue 1 leaders and will hope to dislodge France international Bradley Barcola from his position on the left wing in coach Luis Enrique’s starting line-up.

Kvaratskhelia could make an immediate debut for his new club when they go to Lens on Saturday, looking to extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to 10 points from nearest challengers Marseille.

However, he will not be able to play in PSG’s remaining Champions League matches this month, at home to Manchester City next Wednesday and away