Khvicha Kvaratskhelia father hints at Napoli stay amid Real Madrid, Barcelona talk

When Napoli made the decision to sign Kvaratskhelia from Dinamo Butami - just months after he had left Rubin Kazan as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine - in 2022, it was felt that they had secured a potential quality signing for the future.

Instead, the Georgia international proved to be one of the club's shrewdest acquisitions in their history, Kvaratskhelia going on to star in a Serie A title-winning campaign.

A total of 12 goals and 13 assists were contributed in Italy's top flight, while a further two goals and four assists came in the Champions League, to catapult Kvaratskhelia to the status of one of most highly-sought-after players in Europe.

Although Napoli's form has since dropped off, the 22-year-old has continued to star, chipping in with nine strikes and five assists from his 25 league appearances in 2023-24.

The most recent of those came in a 2-1 victory over Juventus on Sunday evening, something that will only increase talk of a potential move elsewhere.

Real Madrid and Barcelona, despite the latter's financial issues, and a host of Premier League teams are said to be monitoring the situation, despite Kvaratskhelia having a contract until 2027.

A release clause is said to be present in his contract, yet his father, Badri, is of the opinion that his son will continue to ply his trade in Naples.

His father, Badri, told Radio Serie A: "I am so happy with Napoli's title and that my son Khvicha contributed to winning it.

"I am grateful to Italy and Naples for having welcomed and appreciated him as a person and as a footballer.

"He's the only one who can choose whether to stay at Napoli, but I think he will continue wearing the Napoli shirt. In any case, I will respect his decision."

That acknowledgement comes at a time when speculation persists that Victor Osimhen - Napoli's other star attacker - will move on to another club at the end of the campaign.

President Aurelio De Laurentiis has already acknowledged that will be the case, should their valuation or release clause be met, and the Napoli chief may be against two high-profile exits, regardless of whether Napoli earn qualification for Europe with the club down in seventh place in the Serie A table.