Conte drops bombshell on Liverpool's transfer hopes

Napoli manager Antonio Conte ends the potential transfer link between Liverpool and forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia by insisting that he stays

Antonio Conte ended the transfer rumours linking Liverpool with Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia by insisting that he will stay put. Kvaratskhelia is currently representing Georgia in the Euro 2024 competition as they play Spain next in the round of 16.

The 23-year-old played a vital role for his country as they beat Portugal 2-0 yesterday to reach the last 16. Kvaratskhelia scored in the first minute of the game and threatened the strong Portuguese side with his dazzling dribbling abilities.

The Georgian international struggled with form last season which coincided with Napoli’s drastic fall in the Serie A, surprising everyone. Kvaratskhelia played a crucial role in their Serie A title triumph during the 2022-23 season that ended Napoli’s 33-year wait.

Liverpool could strike a record deal to sign Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia . — Liverpool could strike a record deal to sign Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)

The Georgia international made 45 appearances for Napoli last season in all competitions, contributing with 11 goals and nine assists. Persistent links have connected Liverpool and Kvaratskhelia since last season, as his reputation has grown with international performances.

Conte addressed(via Liverpool Echo) the transfer rumours involving Kvaratskhelia and insisted that he will play for Napoli next season. He said:

“There are no doubts. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stays here and he will play for Napoli. There are no doubts, it’s all clear. Kvara will stay here with us.”

Liverpool want an attacking wide player to compete with their current first-team players and eventually succeed the legendary Mohamed Salah. Despite maintaining his prolific form, the Egypt captain suffered from inconsistency and a surprisingly long injury lay-off last season.

🚨🇬🇪 Conte: "Kvaratskhelia's camp? Agent and father must do agent and father. There's a contract and he's a key player for Napoli, the president has been clear: he's staying".

"De Laurentiis told me that both Di Lorenzo and Kvara will stay at the club. It's very clear". pic.twitter.com/Jj2OLXMgpI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 27, 2024

The Reds have Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo as the primary options for the left-wing position, Kvaratskhelia’s preferred side. Kvaratskhelia can play on either flank and fits the profile that Liverpool prefers in an attacker.

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However, Napoli are a tricky negotiator and they have already maintained that the 23-year-old holds a hefty price. With Conte rejecting any potential sale, Liverpool would benefit from assessing other attackers in the transfer windows.