Rising Star in Georgia: Saba Kharebashvili
The world of football is always on the lookout for the next big talent, and 16-year-old Georgian left-back Saba Kharebashvili is quickly becoming a name to watch. His initial foray into senior football came in the summer when he made a notable appearance for Dinamo Tbilisi in the Europa Conference League qualifier against Mornar Bar. While this remains his only senior appearance this season, Kharebashvili’s impact in the Georgian league last year was significant, earning him a total of 27 appearances. His performances were so impressive that they caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, making him a potential gem in the rough.
Barcelona and Real Madrid Take Notice
In November, reports surfaced that both Barcelona and Real Madrid had dispatched their scouts to monitor Kharebashvili’s progress. This young left-back’s talent and potential have not gone unnoticed, and his historic achievement of becoming the youngest player to participate in UEFA competitions during the match against Mornar Bar at just 15 years old only adds to his allure. This feat eclipsed the previous record set by Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko, a testament to Kharebashvili’s exceptional abilities at such a young age.
Liverpool’s Interest
Now, according to Anfield Watch (via MD), Liverpool has also joined the chase. The Merseyside club is known for its meticulous scouting network and has a history of nurturing young talents. Kharebashvili’s potential to develop into a world-class player makes him an attractive prospect for the English giants. While Liverpool has a robust squad and strong competition in the left-back position, the club’s belief in youth development and its track record of unearthing hidden gems could see Kharebashvili find a home at Anfield in the future.
Barcelona’s Left-Back Conundrum
Barcelona, despite currently having Alejandro Balde as their starting left-back, is reportedly considering bolstering their options in the summer transfer window. Balde has shown promise, but the Catalans are always on the lookout for additional depth and potential replacements. While Kharebashvili is highly regarded, Barcelona is likely to opt for a more experienced player to immediately strengthen their squad. However, the club’s recent investments in teenage talents like Mikayil Faye, Pabo Torre, and Ibrahim Diarra from Mali indicate that they are not averse to taking chances on young stars who show exceptional promise.
Real Madrid’s Future Planning
Real Madrid, on the other hand, has a more cautious approach when it comes to investing in young players. The club tends to commit only when they are confident that the talent is truly unique and can make a significant impact in the long run. This conservative strategy is evident in their recent acquisitions of Arda Guler and Endrick Felipe, with transfer fees potentially reaching up to €100 million combined. Both players, despite their combined age of 38, are seen as future stars who could help secure the club’s dominance for years to come. Given their current uncertainty at the left-back position, after missing out on Alphonso Davies, Kharebashvili could be a player they keep a close eye on.
A Bright Future Ahead
For Saba Kharebashvili, the interest from these European giants is both a testament to his talent and a challenge. At just 16, he has the potential to grow into a formidable player, and the attention he is receiving can only mean positive developments for his career. Whether he stays with Dinamo Tbilisi to continue his development or makes a move to one of these top clubs, the future looks bright for this young Georgian. The world of football is eagerly watching to see where his journey will take him, and with the right guidance and opportunities, Kharebashvili could very well become a household name in the years to come.
