Watford welcomes Giorgi Chakvetadze on season-long loan from KAA Gent

Watford have announced the signing of Georgia international midfielder Giorgi Chakvetadze on a season-long loan from KAA Gent. The deal includes an option for the Hornets to make the transfer permanent.

Despite being just 23 years old, Chakvetadze boasts significant experience in domestic and European competition, having already made 16 appearances for his country.

Chakvetadze started his professional journey in his hometown, with Dinamo Tbilisi, making his first-team debut as a substitute against local rivals Locomotive Tbilisi in November 2016.

His consistent performances soon caught the attention of clubs across Europe. In the summer of 2017, Belgian side Gent secured his services.

Over the next four and a half years, Chakvetadze scored eight goals in 81 appearances for the Buffalos.

His time at Gent saw him feature in both the UEFA Europa League and Europa Conference League, as well as contribute to their 2021/22 Belgian Cup triumph.

Chakvetadze also spent a short stint on loan at German outfit Hamburger SV, where he added one goal to his tally in 12 appearances.

Last summer, he joined Slovan Bratislava on a year-long temporary deal, a tenure that proved fruitful.

He featured in Champions League qualifying, Europa League qualifying, and the Europa Conference League, helping his team clinch the Slovak First Football League title.

On the international stage, Chakvetadze made his senior debut for Georgia in a 4-0 win over Lithuania in March 2018, scoring the final goal of the match.

He has since added six more goals to his international count, including a brace against Mongolia earlier this year.