Newcastle United transfers: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Napoli has been linked with a summer move to St James’ Park.
After a stellar season for Napoli last season, Kvaratskhelia has been linked with a number of prominent clubs around Europe. The Georgian international finished the season with 14 goals and 17 assists in all competitions for the Italian club.
Newcastle United are among the clubs apparently interested in signing Kvaratskhelia this summer, but with the Georgia international projected to cost more than £80 million and their recent purchase of Harvey Barnes, a deal during this window is highly doubtful. Jose Enrique, on the other hand, believes that if given the chance, his former club should go ‘all out’ to sign Kvaratskhelia this summer.
Enrique told Grosvenor Sport: “I think if Newcastle are able to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for £82 million then they should go all out for him. He is a world-class player and he is a game-changer. He is the kind of player that you enjoy watching as a fan.
“With his skills and in one-on-one situations, he reminds me of Allan Saint-Maximin because he has that kind of talent, but his work rate and defensive effort are also fantastic, and he never stops running.” Saint-Maximin has always been a touch short in terms of goals and assists, and Kvaratskhelia does have those figures as a winger, therefore I believe that if Newcastle can get him, they should not pursue anyone else in that position.
“It would be a world-class signing on the level of Bruno Guimaraes in the middle, but in the attacking position, he’s that kind of game-changing player and a top-rate transfer.”