Sunderland, Birmingham City and Burnley have been linked with Watford midfielder Giorgi Chakvetadze
Sunderland transfer news: Black Cats linked with £5m-rated Watford star on £25k-a-week wages
Sunderland, Birmingham City and Burnley have been linked with Watford midfielder Giorgi Chakvetadze
Sunderland have been linked with a summer move for Watford midfielder Giorgi Chakvetadze, acording to a report from SportsBoom.
The 25-year-old Georgia international is attracting interest following an impressive campaign in the Championship and a strong showing at Euro 2024. Burnley are reportedly leading the race to sign the versatile midfielder, though both Sunderland and Birmingham City are also said to be keen.
Chakvetadze featured 39 times for Watford in the Championship last season, contributing two goals and playing a key role in the club’s mid-table finish. Comfortable in central midfield or operating from the flanks, the creative playmaker is known for his distinctive on-pitch style, regularly turning out with his socks rolled down to his ankles.
The former Gent man has 39 caps for Georgia and started all of their matches during the last European Championship in Germany. His performances for club and country have reportedly put him on the radar of several English clubs, with SportsBoom claiming that all three suitors – Burnley, Birmingham and Sunderland – see Chakvetadze as a high-upside addition.
Sources cited in the report suggest the player would welcome a move to the Premier League but is open to remaining in the Championship if the right project is put in front of him. Chakvetadze joined Watford on loan from Gent in the summer of 2023 before making the switch permanent in February 2024. He signed a contract running until June 2029 and is currently valued in the region of £4–5million. His reported wages are around £25,000 per week – a figure which could prove a sticking point for several Championship clubs but would be far more manageable for a top-flight outfit like Sunderland or Burnley.
Sunderland have already been active in the market this summer as they prepare for life back in the Premier League under Régis Le Bris. Sporting director Kristjaan Speak man and new incoming head of recruitment Florent Ghisolfi (arrival not confirmed yet) are overseeing a squad rebuild that is expected to prioritise young talent with resale value, but the club are also believed to be open to acquiring more experienced options in key areas.
