Euro 2024 star backtracks over desire to move amid Liverpool interest

Liverpool’s pursuit of a wide forward this summer may have hit a snag as Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia appears to have reversed his decision to leave the Serie A club.

The Georgian international has been repeatedly linked with a move to Anfield, but new reports suggest he is now ready to commit to Napoli on a long-term contract.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Ben Jacobs claimed that securing a forward is Liverpool’s “number one priority” this summer. This ambition was illustrated by their recent, albeit stalled, move for Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.

While negotiations for Gordon have not progressed, Liverpool’s interest in Kvaratskhelia has also been well-documented.

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Kvaratskhelia wants a new contract

However, a fresh report from Corriere dello Sport now indicates that Kvaratskhelia, initially poised to leave Napoli, has had a change of heart.

The 23-year-old winger, who currently earns around £25,000 (€30,000/$31,000) a week, is now willing to sign a long-term deal with the Serie A side, expected to include a significant pay rise.

Kvaratskhelia, who is already contracted to Napoli until 2027, would be tied down for the next five seasons under the proposed extension. This would effectively end Liverpool’s interest in the 34-cap international.

This would be great news for Napoli who are reluctant to part with Kvaratskhelia, especially with the possibility of Victor Osimhen leaving the club, too.

Ssc Napoli – Bologna Fc Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Ssc Napoli and Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna Fc battle for the ball during the Serie A match beetween Ssc Napoli and Bologna Fc at Stadio Maradona on May 11 2024 in Naples, Italy . Napoli Stadio Maradona Italy Copyright: xDixMartinox

A complex operation

The financial implications of such a transfer were already complex, with a potential sale of Liverpool’s Luis Diaz considered necessary to facilitate the move.

However, the scenario would change significantly if Diaz decided to leave Anfield, creating a genuine opening for Kvaratskhelia.

That said, if the Georgian signs a new deal first, this would make the transfer impossible, removing a key target from Liverpool’s shortlist which, in addition to Gordon, is also believed to include the likes of Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo and PSV’s Johan Bakayoko.

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