According to journalist Lasha Kokiashvili, as cited by Leeds Live, Leeds United are interested in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Rubin Kazan winger is in talks with the Premier League outfit over a potential switch in the summer. His agent Christian Emile is working on that project, although his association with other Premier League players like Mohamed Elneny and Okay Yokuslu might see him being able to drive up the Kvaratskhelia’s price.
Who Is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?
A product of the Dinamo Academy in his native Georgia, Kvaratskhelia moved to Rubin Kazan in the summer of 2019. He had initially spent a year playing in Russia during his loan spell at Lokomotiv Moscow.
Although the attacker couldn’t make much of an impact, Rubin Kazan were quick to pounce on the opportunity to sign him for free in 2019. The move paid off quite well, as Kvaratskhelia made his breakthrough in the 2019/20 season, being involved in eight goals in 27 matches.
This time around, the Georgian international upped his game, scoring four goals and registering eight assists in just 23 league encounters. His contributions in the final third were key in helping Rubin Kazan achieve a fourth-place finish in the league.
Kvaratskhelia, in fact, has now established himself as one of the top wingers in the Russian Premier League. His flair, pace and skill, in addition to his productivity, have indeed made him an asset for his club. It is only a matter of time before he gets snapped by a bigger club, ahead of the start of the new campaign.
Is He A Good Option For Leeds United?
Kvaratskhelia is an explosive attacker who loves to take on opposition defender. His pace, agility and technical prowess are well suited to Marcelo Bielsa’s tactical philosophy at Leeds United.
The 20-year-old can indeed mesmerise the Premier League with his skill, while the attacker’s aggression might make him an ideal cog in the club’s first line of press alongside Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford and Raphinha.
Perhaps more importantly, Kvaratskhelia is quite a versatile player, as he, in addition to both flanks, can also operate in an attacking midfield role. It makes him an ideal replacement for Rodrigo Moreno, whose future at Elland Road remains uncertain after a difficult first season at the club.
There are question marks over Kvaratskhelia’s lack of experience at the highest level of football. But at the age of 20, he has time on his side and could be a smart long-term investment for the Whites.
