When Paris Saint-Germain secured the services of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January 2025, the move sent shockwaves through European football. The club parted with a hefty €70 million to pry the Georgian winger away from Naples, a transfer that has since reshaped the dynamics of both teams. While the French giants celebrated their coup, Aurelio De Laurentiis, the Napoli president, remains haunted by the loss.
The arrival of Kvaratskhelia injected fresh energy into a Parisian squad that had already tasted Champions League glory under Luis Enrique. Though the team struggled domestically, the Georgian’s impact in Europe was undeniable. His dazzling performances elevated him to the status of a key player for PSG, leaving Italian football—particularly Naples—in stunned disbelief.
De Laurentiis vents frustration over lost gem
Aurelio De Laurentiis has not minced words about the departure, framing it as a missed opportunity for Naples. In a candid interview, he questioned the handling of Kvaratskhelia’s contract, suggesting that the player’s representatives and family played a role in his eventual exit. The Napoli president drew a sharp contrast between the Georgian and footballing legends like Maradona, whom he described as irreplaceable.
From Naples to Paris: A tale of two cities
De Laurentiis also painted a vivid picture of Naples’ allure, calling the city a modern-day Parthenope—a name derived from Greek mythology, meaning ‘siren.’ He compared Kvaratskhelia’s defiance to Ulysses, the mythical figure who resisted the sirens’ enchantment by blocking his ears with wax. In his view, the player chose Paris over Naples, prioritizing financial and sporting ambitions over the city’s magnetic charm.
