Luka Parkadze: Bayern Munich's next young star - likened to Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

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Georgian football talents were all the craze in German football during the 2000s, when Freiburg could lay claim to players like with Levan Kobiashvili, Alexander Iashvili, Levan Tskitishvili and Giorgi Kiknadze - often all four in the same team at once. However, since the former retired at Hertha Berlin in 2014, the German top-flight has been without a star from the European nation. That, thanks to Bayern Munich, may be about to change.

Set to join from Dinamo Tiflis in the forthcoming January transfer window, 17-year-old talent Luka Parkadze made his debut in the Georgian top-flight in August as one of many youngsters who have made it from the club’s youth ranks into the senior team. For example, since 2016, seven players have made the jump from youth to senior football at Tiflis.

Future Bayern Munich prospect Luka Parkadze

Parkadze is most dangerous and potent on the ball, when he’s allowed to use his exquisite technical ability to pick out passes with his right foot. He also possesses remarkable strength and speed. Which is why he was used on the wings to make full use of said talents, in his first four senior appearances for his current club. Although the young player wasn’t able to pick up a goal or an assist in his handful of appearances, he clearly caused all sorts of issues for opposing defenders. As such, comparisons have already been made with fellow Tbilisi youth graduate and current Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Bayern fans will naturally welcome such comparisons with glee, following their club’s clear desire to sign the Georgian talent as quickly as possible. “We have known Luka for some time and have had our scouts keep an eye on him,” said Bayern campus manager Jochen Sauer at the signing in August. “In addition, he made a brilliant impression in the trial session here at the Bayern Campus. That's why we're very pleased to have won him over for a common path from next season, and we would like to thank Dinamo Tiflis and his supporter Guram Kachakhidze for the trusting discussions.”

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