The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) pulled off a major coup in January 2025 by securing a €70 million deal for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, luring the Georgian winger away from Naples. The move reshaped PSG’s trajectory under Luis Enrique, who guided the club to Champions League glory the following season. Yet, the transfer continues to haunt Aurelio De Laurentiis, the Naples president, who remains bitter over the loss of a player he once helped transform into a global sensation.
Kvaratskhelia’s arrival in Paris marked a turning point for the French giants. His electrifying performances in the Champions League this season have cemented his status as the team’s standout performer, leaving Naples—and De Laurentiis—in a state of disbelief. The Italian executive, who once praised the player’s meteoric rise, now faces the sting of watching his former star shine brighter under the Parisian lights.
De Laurentiis vents frustration over missed opportunity
De Laurentiis hasn’t held back his criticism, framing the departure as a betrayal of Naples’ soul. “In just one year, Kvara became a star in Naples. But his agents and family mishandled his contract obligations, leaving us with no choice but to let him go. Comparing him to Maradona is laughable—Naples’ golden boy was one of a kind, irreplaceable in every sense. Even as a human being, he embodied loyalty and passion for the city.”
Why Paris won where Naples failed
The contrast between Naples’ fading influence and PSG’s relentless pursuit couldn’t be starker. De Laurentiis drew a vivid parallel, comparing Kvaratskhelia’s defiance to the myth of Ulysses: “Naples, a city born 2,500 years ago as Parthenope—the siren of ancient Greek lore—has captivated legends. Yet Kvara plugged his ears to its enchantment, ignoring our final offers to prolong his stay.” The message is clear: PSG’s allure proved irresistible, even for a player forged in Naples’ fiery passion.
