Agent of £80m Newcastle target says player wants to leave this summer - Club immediately hit back
Last summer Newcastle United were keen to test journalists typing abilities as they targeted two midfielders with tricky names.
First up was Dominik Szoboszlai who looked to be a very serious target before he joined Liverpool
The other was Napoli midfielder Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian international had impressed many top clubs with his exploits in the previous season, scoring 14 goals in all competitions as he helped Napoli on to their first Serie A title in over 30 years.
Unfortunately, Napoli were unable to build on that success last season and ultimately finished 10th in the league which has prompted Kvara's agent to come out and speak on behalf of his client.
Kvaratskhelia's agent has landed him in hot water with Napoli
Former Georgian international Mamuka Jugeli, Kvaratskhelia’s agent, told Sporti Imedze (via Newcastle World):
“We want to leave, but we are waiting for the end of the European Championship. With (Antonio) Conte, Napoli have big plans. I'm sure they will qualify for the Champions League again next season and fight for the Scudetto.
“But that doesn't mean that Kvaratskhelia wants to stay there, I don't mean it. I didn't talk with Khvicha about this issue, the most important thing for him is the national team. Our goal is the team that plays in the Champions League. The worst thing is that, if he stays here, Khvicha will lose one year (of his career) because of that. We are worried.”
Napoli were not happy with Jugeli's statement
It's unlikely that Newcastle would be eyeing a move for Kvaratskhelia again this summer as his fee would be astronomical, especially as he's still contracted to Napoli until 2027. Something the club have made abundantly clear in their response to his agent's claims.
“After Kvaratskhelia’s camp statement, we want to remind him that he’s under contract until June 2027. Kvaratskelia is NOT for sale. Player’s agents do NOT decide where they are going, but it’s Napoli deciding when they are under contract.”
So it looks like there may be trouble brewing, but given Newcastle couldn't land him last summer when we reportedly bid £80million, we doubt we'd have much luck this summer with our PSR issues.
