Georges Mikautadze Barcelona links are back in the conversation after the Villarreal striker acknowledged he would be open to a move to a top side and described the Catalan club’s past attention as flattering.
The 26-year-old Georgia international drew interest from Barcelona last summer following a strong first campaign at Villarreal after his move from Olympique Lyonnais. He scored 16 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions in that debut season.
According to club sources, sporting director Deco evaluated Mikautadze at the time. After discussions with manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona chose not to push ahead.
This season has proved more complicated for Mikautadze. He has five goals in all competitions but has started only five La Liga matches so far.
In comments to L’Équipe, the forward said he was “disappointed” with his current situation, while adding that he still feels “ready to go to a big club.”
Georges Mikautadze Barcelona admiration and summer interest
Reflecting on Barcelona’s prior interest, Mikautadze told the French outlet that the attention was motivating and a sign that his work was being recognised. He added that he has been a fan of Barcelona since the era of Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, as well as the MSN forward line of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar, though he said he did not dwell on it at the time.
He made the remarks ahead of Villarreal’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain. A transfer to the Camp Nou would not be unwelcome from the player’s perspective.
Whether Barcelona revisit the idea, and whether Flick could be persuaded, remains to be seen.