According to a report by Barca Universal published on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Barcelona came close to signing Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in 2024 after former manager Xavi Hernandez identified the need to strengthen the team’s left flank.

The Catalan club reportedly contacted the winger’s agent, Mamuka Jugeli, to explore the possibility of bringing him to Spain. Kvaratskhelia was said to be interested in playing in La Liga, with Barcelona and Real Madrid considered attractive destinations. However, completing the transfer proved difficult.

Barcelona reportedly found it easier to reach a possible agreement with the player than to negotiate with Napoli. Kvaratskhelia was earning a relatively modest salary in Italy, while Napoli’s proposed contract renewal allegedly failed to reflect his growing reputation and market value.

Napoli’s asking price soon became a major stumbling block. The Italian club reportedly valued the winger at €70 million and wanted almost the entire transfer fee paid upfront. Barcelona’s financial difficulties at the time made it difficult for the club to meet those demands.

Negotiations continued into April 2024, as Barcelona sought more time to determine whether they could afford the deal. Their ability to pursue Kvaratskhelia reportedly depended on raising funds through the sale of a key first-team player.

Sporting director Deco considered the possibility of Raphinha moving to Saudi Arabia as a way to finance the Georgian winger’s arrival. However, Barcelona’s transfer strategy changed after Xavi left the club and Hansi Flick was appointed as head coach.

Flick wanted to retain key members of his squad and reportedly persuaded Raphinha to stay at Barcelona. The Brazilian’s decision removed a potential source of transfer revenue, further complicating the club’s efforts to sign Kvaratskhelia.

Barcelona eventually completed a relatively modest transfer window, bringing in Dani Olmo and Pau Victor but failing to secure the Georgian international’s services.

Kvaratskhelia subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain in January 2025 in a deal reportedly worth €80 million. With reports suggesting that PSG are considering extending his contract until 2031, the prospect of Barcelona revisiting their interest appears increasingly unlikely.

Barcelona will now get the chance to face Kvaratskhelia when they meet PSG in the Champions League. The encounter serves as a reminder of the Catalan club’s reported attempt to sign the winger, a deal that ultimately failed to materialise despite their interest in securing his signature.