Davitashvili was close to joining Benfica! Find out what blocked the deal | OneFootball

Zuriko Davitashvili could have been a last-minute signing for Benfica at the close of the transfer window. According to the latest information, the Eagles even negotiated with Saint-Etienne for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s compatriot, but ultimately the choice fell on Dodi Lukebakio.

“Another name that was also considered by those in charge at Benfica was the Georgian Zuriko Davitashvili, from Saint-Etienne. But the fact that he is right-footed and tends to play on the left meant that Lukebakio was preferred,” revealed the newspaper Record, in last Wednesday’s print edition.

The deal for Zuriko Davitashvili would not have been complicated and would likely have required a smaller investment than that for Dodi Lukebakio. That’s because Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s compatriot, the PSG winger, where João Neves has been shining, is out of contract with Saint-Etienne, which weakens the French club’s negotiating position.

However, Benfica ended up signing Dodi Lukebakio. The transfer of the Belgian international, who came from Sevilla, cost the Luz club around 20 million euros, plus 4 million depending on the achievement of certain individual and collective objectives, which were not disclosed.

Last season, playing for Saint-Étienne, Zuriko Davitashvili – valued at 10 million euros – played 34 matches: 33 in Ligue 1 and one in the French Cup. In the 2,833 minutes he was on the pitch, the 24-year-old left winger scored nine goals and provided eight assists.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.