Among the top 10 most signed players in the popular football game Football Manager in January, one player ranks first, even ahead of Guehi, Paez, Diomandé, and Boadu. He is 17-year-old talent Kharebashvili, who plays for Dinamo Tbilisi.
This left-back from Dinamo Tbilisi has long been renowned and can also play as right-back, centre-back, and defensive midfielder. Spanish coach Andrés Carrasco promoted him to the first team when he was just 15 years and 7 months old. In 2024, at only 15 years and 10 months, he became the youngest player to feature in a UEFA club competition (Europa Conference League).
For the Georgian senior national team, head coach Didier Sagnol handed him his debut in the match against the Faroe Islands last June. Kakhbashvili said: “Being called up to the national team at such a young age is a huge responsibility, but also a great challenge and motivation.”
His versatility, immense potential, low market value (€2.3 million), and modest weekly wage (€1,200) have made him one of the most sought-after wonderkids in Football Manager. A player report states: “His crossing attribute is as high as 14, making him an excellent and fast full-back. With 15 in passing and 13 in positioning, he can also play as an inside forward.”
Nevertheless, his ability is by no means limited to the game. Authoritative media have included Kakhbashvili in the list of the top 60 talents born in 2008: “Many believe Kakhbashvili has the potential to reach the heights of Kvaratskhelia. As a left-back, he has already shown his versatility, being able to play on the right flank or even as an attacking midfielder. He is physically strong, hardworking, and has high football intelligence, with impressive positioning, tackling, acceleration, and precise crossing in counterattacks.”
Interestingly, the 17-year-old Kakhbashvili is already the most valuable player in the Georgian Super League. According to Transfermarkt data, his current market value is €1.2 million. If he eventually leaves after turning 18 (players under 18 cannot transfer), he will almost certainly break the club's outgoing transfer record of €4 million set by Georgi Kinkladze when he joined Manchester City in 1995.
There will surely be no shortage of suitors, with Transfermarkt linking him to Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. Regardless, his future remains uncertain. He admits to enjoying the Premier League but has also publicly stated that he is a fan of Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo: "He left an indelible mark on me and was my childhood idol. I often watch his matches and enjoy them very much."
