Georges Mikautadze (26) was the subject of interest from Barcelona last summer. The Georgian centre-forward had excelled during his first season at Villarreal, following a summer move from Olympique Lyonnais, netting 16 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco scrutinised Mikautadze, but following conversations with manager Hansi Flick, their interest did not go any further. Mikautadze’s start to this season has been more difficult. Despite netting five goals in all competitions, he has made just five starts in La Liga so far.
The striker has admitted to L’Équipe that he is “disappointed” by the situation. However, he added that he still feels as though he is “ready to go to a big club”.
Mikautadze also specifically referenced Barcelona’s interest in the summer and revealed that he is a fan of the Catalan giants. “The Barcelona interest? It is flattering and it motivates me even more. It also means that the work is done well. On top of that, since the Xavi-Iniesta-Busquets and the MSN (Messi-Suarez-Neymar), I have been a Barca fan […] but I didn’t think too much about that,” he told the French publication ahead of Villarreal’s UEFA Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain.
Mikautadze would naturally not be opposed to a move to the Camp Nou; it is a question of whether Barcelona revive their interest and whether Flick can be convinced.
GSFN | Luke Entwistle
