Kvaratskhelia's injury forces PSG to target Cherki
The anterior cruciate ligament rupture of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, which occurred on Tuesday against FC Barcelona, leaves Paris Saint‑Germain without its winger for at least six months, while transfer market specialist Gianluca Di Marzio is already talking about the possibility of an unexpected signing, Rayan Cherki from Manchester City.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee during the match against FC Barcelona, which forces him to undergo surgery and miss at least six months. Ousmane Dembélé and Marquinhos, who were injured in the thigh in the same game, will also be unavailable for several weeks. Despite these blows, Paris Saint‑Germain continues talks to extend the Georgian's contract until 2032, according to RMC. The blow is harsh for Luis Enrique.
Unexpected option: Cherki from Manchester City
According to Italian transfer market specialist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Parisian club could turn to a profile that no one expected: Rayan Cherki, Manchester City's attacking midfielder. “After Kvaratskhelia’s injury, PSG might want to look at Cherki in January. The market suddenly changes when your star suffers an injury like that,” Di Marzio told PariuriX. Paris also beat Manchester City 4‑2 ten days ago in the Champions League, which makes the idea of a double showdown even more intriguing.
Cherki, who arrived from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2025 for €42.5 million all‑in, is posting a remarkable start to the season with six goals and two assists in eleven matches across all competitions. Enzo Maresca describes him as “one of the best players in Europe,” while the young Frenchman has already found the net with the Bleus against Belgium. On paper, his central creator profile is appealing, but it differs from the left‑wing role occupied by Kvaratskhelia.
Obstacles and alternatives
Manchester City finds it difficult to part with such a player mid‑season, especially as Di Marzio notes that big clubs will struggle to close a deal in January after splashing out heavily last summer. Another name mentioned, Alex Scott, plays in midfield for Bournemouth, where his transfer is estimated at around £100 million and is more likely to materialise next summer, with Liverpool, Arsenal and AC Milan as probable destinations. The Cherries, who have already sold a lot this summer, are in no hurry to let him go.
In sum, Kvaratskhelia’s injury opens the door to unexpected options, but the combination of a different profile, a tight winter market and clubs’ reluctance to sell makes the prospect of signing Cherki in January highly uncertain.