The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "Zubimendi, Kvaratskhelia, Walker: Ornstein's Transfers to Watch"

Release Date: January 14, 2025
Hosts: IO Akim Walere
Guests: James Horncastle, Phil Hay, David Ornstein

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host IO Akim Walere dives deep into the latest football transfer news, focusing on three high-profile players: Martin Zubimendi, Khvachidze Kvaratskhelia, and Kyle Walker. Joined by esteemed football analysts James Horncastle, Phil Hay, and David Ornstein, the discussion navigates the complexities of the current transfer market, exploring potential moves and their implications for the involved clubs.

Khvachidze Kvaratskhelia: Napoli’s Superstar on the Move

Performance and Impact

James Horncastle opens the discussion by highlighting Kvaratskhelia’s stellar debut season with Napoli. Described as "the best debut season of any footballer in Italy since Kaka at Milan in 2003" ([04:03]), Kvaratskhelia's contributions were pivotal in Napoli securing the Scudetto and his recognition as Serie A's Most Valuable Player in 2023.

David Ornstein compares Kvaratskhelia to legends like Kaka and Mo Salah, emphasizing his extraordinary dribbling, goal-scoring, and assists. "He's been this bolt from the blue because, you know, they signed him from Dinamo Batumi, everyone's favorite Georgian club," Ornstein notes ([04:03]).

Contractual Issues and Potential Destinations

Despite his on-field success, Kvaratskhelia is reportedly seeking a move from Napoli due to what many consider underwhelming financial compensation. With a salary of approximately £1.5 million ($1.9 million) per year, significantly lower than the market value for a player of his caliber, discussions are underway. Phil Hay underscores the disparity: "He's being paid on that kind of money … Napoli have tried to increase it … but ultimately the player and his entourage believe it's time for them to move on" ([08:30]).

Potential Destinations: PSG and Liverpool

The conversation shifts to possible suitors, with PSG and Liverpool being the frontrunners. Phil Hay posits that PSG's current project aligns well with Kvaratskhelia's style, suggesting that PSG could offer a competitive salary without relying on exorbitant spending: "He still fits that age profile that … post Neymar Mbappe Messi era PSG, he still fits" ([21:13]). Meanwhile, Liverpool's interest is influenced by their ongoing negotiations with Mo Salah, who is hinted to be nearing the end of his Liverpool tenure ([19:03]).

James Horncastle adds that while Liverpool typically avoids impulsive high-spend deals, the potential move for Kvaratskhelia could be a strategic acquisition to bolster their squad: "You know, you're not paying 120 million for this player … but 70 million for a Premier League club is not all that expensive" ([20:56]).

Club Dynamics and Player Persona

David Ornstein contrasts Kvaratskhelia’s reserved personality with that of Napoli teammate Victor Osimhen, highlighting his humility and focus on football rather than off-field antics: "He's very shy and retiring. Complete opposite to how he is on the pitch … someone without ego" ([12:21]).

Phil Hay emphasizes Kvaratskhelia’s uniqueness and potential as a game-changer for elite teams: "Once he's on the open market … he's got to be tempting because the fact that he is different … is the sort of marginal gain that can be done for a really elite team" ([08:30]).

Martin Zubimendi: Arsenal’s Strategic Acquisition

Transfer Speculations and Arsenal’s Strategy

The podcast shifts focus to Martin Zubimendi, with David Ornstein providing insights into Arsenal's pursuit of the Real Sociedad midfielder. James Horncastle reveals that Arsenal has been targeting Zubimendi for over a year, reigniting their interest following his impressive performance at the Euros: "Martin Zubimendi is a long term target for Arsenal, for Mikel Arteta in particular … progress has been made … it's a deal for next summer" ([37:25]).

Impact on Arsenal’s Midfield Dynamics

Ornstein discusses the tactical implications of integrating Zubimendi into Arsenal's midfield, questioning how his acquisition would affect existing players like Declan Rice and Mikel Marino: "What does that mean for the number 8 role? Does Declan Rice play there … does Mikel Marino play there" ([37:25]).

Challenges and Prospects

James Horncastle points out the complexities of finalizing such high-profile transfers, noting the fluid nature of negotiations and the potential for competing interests from other top clubs: "Deals are fluid … PSG have gone to what they will feel is a good financial figure … it's not something that Liverpool or anybody else would just decide to go forward with" ([25:38]).

Kyle Walker: Manchester City’s Veteran Seeking a New Challenge

Current Situation and Potential Moves

The discussion then turns to Kyle Walker, the seasoned right-back from Manchester City, who is reportedly seeking a transfer. David Ornstein explains the challenges facing potential suitors like AC Milan, who have recently bolstered their squad with Emerson Royale: "Milan don’t need a player in Kyle Walker's position … Davide Calabria is the captain … Milan can only sign one British player due to post-Brexit regulations" ([28:37]).

Personal and Professional Factors

James Horncastle reflects on Walker’s illustrious career at Manchester City, praising his consistency and contributions: "There are not many, if any, better right backs in the recent Premier League era … fair play for the career he's had" ([30:51]). However, he acknowledges the turbulent period Walker has faced both on and off the pitch, which might be influencing his desire for a fresh start.

Phil Hay delves into the personal aspects affecting Walker’s decision, suggesting that increased media scrutiny and diminished form could be driving his transfer ambitions: "It's become a bit of a perfect storm … I wonder if all of that has just brought him to the point of thinking that fresh passages might be a good idea" ([33:39]).

Manchester City’s Response

David Ornstein commends Manchester City's handling of Walker’s potential departure, highlighting Antonio Conte’s professionalism: "Conte's spent the last few weeks basically trying other players … he hasn't thrown all of his toys out … just laid it all out" ([22:57]). He predicts that should Walker transfer, Manchester City will quickly seek replacements to maintain their squad strength.

Transfer Market Dynamics and Domino Effects

Interconnected Transfers

David Ornstein and James Horncastle discuss the ripple effects that high-profile transfers can have across the market. For instance, if Kvaratskhelia moves to PSG, it could open opportunities for players like Brady Buckler, creating a cascade of transfers as clubs adjust their strategies.

James Horncastle warns against oversimplifying these dynamics, emphasizing the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the transfer market: "You can't just sort of stockpile these players … and that’s part of the intrigue" ([25:38]).

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with reflections on the ever-evolving transfer landscape. The analysts agree that the moves of players like Kvaratskhelia, Zubimendi, and Walker are not isolated events but part of a larger, interconnected web of football transfers. These transactions not only reshape the involved clubs but also influence the broader dynamics of European football.

IO Akim Walere wraps up by teasing upcoming transfer news and encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more detailed analyses in future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• David Ornstein ([04:03]):
  "He's been this bolt from the blue because, you know, they signed him from Dinamo Batumi, everyone's favorite Georgian club."

• James Horncastle ([37:25]):
  "Martin Zubimendi is a long term target for Arsenal, for Mikel Arteta in particular … progress has been made … it's a deal for next summer."

• Phil Hay ([08:30]):
  "Once he's on the open market … he's got to be tempting because the fact that he is different … is the sort of marginal gain that can be done for a really elite team."

• James Horncastle ([30:51]):
  "There are not many, if any, better right backs in the recent Premier League era … fair play for the career he's had."

• David Ornstein ([22:57]):
  "Conte's spent the last few weeks basically trying other players … he hasn't thrown all of his toys out … just laid it all out."

Final Notes

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of some of the most intriguing transfer stories of early 2025. Whether it's Kvaratskhelia's potential move to PSG or Liverpool, Arsenal's strategic acquisition of Zubimendi, or Kyle Walker's search for a new challenge, The Athletic FC Podcast offers listeners comprehensive insights into the shifting tides of the football world.

For more detailed transfer news and analyses, listeners are encouraged to explore The Athletic FC Podcast Network and stay updated with the latest episodes.