Kvaratskhelia Struggles as Barcola’s Liverpool Exit Reshapes PSG Left Flank
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has started the 2026-27 Ligue 1 campaign without a goal after Bradley Barcola’s €145 million move to Liverpool reshaped Paris Saint-Germain’s left flank.
Barcola exit has changed PSG’s attacking balance
PSG moved quickly after Barcola left for Anfield, bringing Ajax prospect Mika Godts to Paris to add another option on the left. But the 21-year-old Belgian has yet to make a league start, leaving Kvaratskhelia without the same immediate, specialist competition he faced last season.
Under Luis Enrique, Barcola’s pace and constant runs beyond defences created a direct contest for the left-wing role. That pressure helped drive Kvaratskhelia’s intensity during PSG’s previous campaign, when he produced eight Ligue 1 goals and 10 more in Europe.
The Georgian international has not matched that return in the opening weeks of the new season. He has one assist from five league outings, with his total playing time sitting at roughly 280 minutes.
| Period | Competition | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Previous season | Ligue 1 | 8 goals |
| Previous season | European competition | 10 goals |
| 2026-27 opening league games | Ligue 1 | 0 goals, 1 assist in 5 appearances |
Enrique has already reduced Kvaratskhelia’s minutes
The lack of end product has been followed by early substitutions. Kvaratskhelia was replaced in the 65th minute against Brest, then came off after 58 minutes in Le Classique against Marseille.
- Barcola completed his €145 million Liverpool transfer during the summer.
- PSG signed Godts from Ajax as left-sided cover and competition.
- Kvaratskhelia opened the league season with no goals in five appearances.
- Enrique withdrew him early against Brest and Marseille.
Rotation options do not replicate Barcola’s profile
Competition remains across PSG’s forward line. Désiré Doué’s development, Ferran Torres’ ability to move wide and the arrival of Maghnes Akliouche give Enrique multiple combinations.
Yet none offers the exact threat Barcola brought: an established, rapid left winger able to stretch a back line and directly contest Kvaratskhelia’s place in the biggest matches. Godts has the opportunity to become that challenger, but has not yet forced his way into the league starting XI.
What happens next
The international break gives PSG time to reassess the left side. Godts could make a stronger case for minutes, while Enrique may look for a tactical adjustment to restore Kvaratskhelia’s influence. PSG need a sharper response from the Georgian as they look to absorb the impact of Barcola’s departure.
- Kvaratskhelia has no Ligue 1 goal after five matches.
- His minutes have been managed aggressively by Enrique.
- Godts is yet to start a league fixture for PSG.
- Doué, Torres and Akliouche provide attacking depth, but not a like-for-like Barcola replacement.
