According to a report by Barca Universal published on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Barcelona began exploring the possibility of recruiting the talented winger in January 2024, when then-manager Xavi Hernandez identified the need for a quality left-sided attacker to strengthen his squad.

The Spanish club established contact with Kvaratskhelia’s agent, Mamuka Jugeli, as negotiations gathered momentum. Reports indicated that the player was interested in experiencing Spanish football, with Barcelona and Real Madrid among his preferred destinations. Nevertheless, turning that interest into a completed transfer proved challenging.

Barcelona reportedly encountered fewer difficulties in reaching an understanding with the player than they did with Napoli. Kvaratskhelia’s salary at the Italian club was relatively modest, while Napoli’s proposed contract extension allegedly failed to match his increasing reputation and market value.

Napoli’s financial demands eventually became the major stumbling block. The Italian champions reportedly requested €70 million and wanted almost the entire amount paid upfront. Given Barcelona’s financial restrictions at the time, meeting those conditions would have been extremely difficult.

Discussions continued in April 2024, when Barcelona sought more time to assess whether the transfer could be completed. The club’s ability to pursue the winger depended largely on raising funds through the sale of an important first-team player.

Sporting director Deco reportedly viewed Raphinha’s potential departure to Saudi Arabia as an opportunity to finance the move. However, Barcelona’s plans changed after Xavi left his managerial position and Joan Laporta appointed Hansi Flick as his replacement.

Flick placed considerable importance on keeping key players and convinced Raphinha to remain at Barcelona. The Brazilian’s decision to stay removed a potential source of funding, making the proposed transfer increasingly unrealistic.

Barcelona subsequently completed a relatively limited transfer window, bringing in Dani Olmo and Pau Victor without securing Kvaratskhelia’s services.

The Georgian winger eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain in January 2025 for a reported €80 million. With his future now seemingly tied to the French club amid reports of a possible contract extension until 2031, Barcelona’s earlier pursuit appears unlikely to be revived.

Kvaratskhelia will now have an opportunity to demonstrate his quality against his former admirers when PSG face Barcelona in the Champions League.