Mikautadze says Barcelona move would fulfil lifelong dream

Giorgi Mikautadze says he would welcome the chance to join Barcelona, describing the Catalan club as the team he has supported since childhood.

The Villarreal striker was linked with a move to Barcelona during the summer transfer window, when the club was looking for a forward to replace Robert Lewandowski. Barcelona ultimately turned to Gabriel Jesus after failing to complete a deal for Julian Alvarez, whose transfer was affected by a dispute with Atletico Madrid.

Asked about Barcelona’s interest in an interview with DAZN, Mikautadze said: “Of course, it makes me happy. Barcelona is the club of my heart and I have followed their matches since I was young. Now I have to keep working, so why shouldn’t I get the chance to move to a big club like this?”

Mikautadze had attracted Barcelona’s attention after an impressive first season with Villarreal. The Georgia international joined the Spanish club from Olympique Lyonnais on 1 September 2025 for 36m euros, including 5m euros in potential add-ons.

Olympique Lyonnais also retained a 10% sell-on clause covering any future profit from the player’s sale. Mikautadze signed a contract with Villarreal running until June 2031.

The 26-year-old was born in Lyon, France, on 31 October 2000, but chose to represent Georgia internationally. He has become one of the country’s leading attacking players, with his movement into space, finishing and ability to create chances for team-mates among his main strengths.

Mikautadze made a major impact at Euro 2024, scoring three goals in the group stage before Georgia were eliminated by Spain in the last 16.

He had previously impressed during a spell with Metz, scoring 11 goals in 17 matches in the second half of the 2023-24 season after returning to the French club on loan from Ajax. He later moved permanently to Lyon before joining Villarreal.

Mikautadze frustrated by limited minutes

Mikautadze scored 16 goals and provided six assists in 44 appearances during his first campaign with Villarreal, demonstrating his ability to adapt to Spanish football.

The opening of the 2026-27 season has proved more difficult, however. The forward has been frustrated by a lack of playing time and believes regular involvement would give him more opportunities to show his attacking qualities and influence matches.

“With more playing time, I would certainly have more chances to score goals and make an impact in games,” he said. “But I am someone who never gives up. I will continue working to prove to the manager that he is wrong to keep me on the bench.”

He added: “I don’t think I am missing much, because I believe I have the qualities and ability to become one of the best strikers in La Liga.”