Meet Saba Kharebashvili: Football Manager's most wanted wonderkid who could be 'the next Kvara'
The 17-year-old Georgian defender from Dinamo Tbilisi has become a Football Manager sensation, but his talents extend well beyond the virtual world.
A teenage Georgian defender has become the hottest property in Football Manager circles, with scouts and gamers alike tipping him for superstardom in both virtual and real-world football.
Saba Kharebashvili may not be a household name yet, but the Dinamo Tbilisi youngster has quietly emerged as Football Manager 2024’s most signed player in January, outpacing established talents like Marc Guéhi and Nico Paz in the popular simulation game.
Who is Saba Kharebashvili?
Born in Tbilisi on September 3, 2008, Kharebashvili is a versatile defender who primarily operates as a left-back but can also play on the right, as a centre-back, or even in defensive midfield. His career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable:
- Made his senior debut for Dinamo Tbilisi at just 15 years and 7 months under Spanish coach Andrés Carrasco
- Became the youngest player ever to appear in a UEFA club competition at 15 years and 10 months
- Already capped for Georgia’s senior national team, debuting against the Faroe Islands last June
- Has registered six assists in 58 appearances for Dinamo
Why FM players are going potty for him
It’s not rocket science why virtual managers are rushing to sign the lad. With an affordable £2 million price tag and weekly wages that wouldn’t break the bank at around £1,200, he represents serious value in the game.
His Football Manager attributes are proper tasty too – boasting excellent crossing, passing and positioning stats that make him a versatile option across multiple positions.
Real-world potential
This ain’t just some computer game fantasy, though. The Guardian included Kharebashvili in their prestigious list of 60 best talents born in 2008, with football journalist Artur Petrosyan suggesting he “could reach a similar level to Kvaratskhelia.”
At just 17, he’s already the most valuable player in Georgia’s Erovnuli Liga, with a market value of £1.2 million according to Transfermarkt. When he eventually moves – which can’t happen until he turns 18 – he’s expected to smash the Georgian transfer record.
Where might he end up?
Liverpool, PSG, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all reportedly shown interest in the teenager. While he admits he’d enjoy playing in the Premier League, Kharebashvili is a self-confessed Real Madrid supporter and Cristiano Ronaldo fan.
“He left an indelible mark on me,” the youngster says of Ronaldo.
Remember the name, as they say – and not just for your next Football Manager save. This Georgia peach might be the real deal.