Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the highly-regarded Georgian attacker, has surprisingly been left on the bench by coach Antonio Conte in Napoli’s match against Lecce. This move comes as a surprise, given that Conte had previously expressed his admiration for Kvaratskhelia’s talent, stating that he “can’t be touched” and would not be sold, even for a massive offer.
Kvaratskhelia had been a key player for Napoli in the early months of the season, forming a trio up front with Romelu Lukaku and others. However, recent weeks have seen a change in the team’s lineup, with the coach opting to play Neres and Politano on either wing instead.
The decision to leave Kvaratskhelia on the bench is seen as a simple rotation move, with the Italian coach looking to mix things up ahead of a midweek clash with Milan. The match, scheduled for October 29, could mark a key moment in the season for Napoli, and Kvaratskhelia is likely to be back in the starting lineup.
Off the pitch, the contract situation surrounding Kvaratskhelia’s future at Napoli remains uncertain. The player’s current deal expires in 2027, and while Napoli have offered to extend, the Georgian’s agent, Mamuka Jugeli, is seeking a significant increase in salary, currently capped at around €1.5 million. The inclusion of a termination clause, which Napoli are asking to be set at €100 million, is also a point of contention.
The standoff between the parties has put plans for a new contract on hold, with a new meeting between De Laurentiis and Jugeli expected in the coming weeks. While the uncertainty surrounding Kvaratskhelia’s future may cause some concern, the player’s talent and potential remain high, making him a key player in Napoli’s fortunes for the foreseeable future.
