Free in June, irresistible in December: Giorgi Tsitaishvili has turned the tide in Ligue 1. His performance against Paris Saint‑Germain on December 13 put the spotlight on FC Metz and shook Europe of football. The Georgian winger, 25, is coming off a blazing month and is heading towards the status of free agent as of January 1 to negotiate his future. As a result, lines are already moving in the offices of ambitious clubs. Suitors are multiplying because his output is rising and his price will be unbeatable this summer.
The stage is set, the stake is clear. Two goals in his last four competition matches, a reference performance against Paris, and a profile that fits European standards. According to several sources, the Georgian international (28 caps, 1 goal) still belongs to Dynamo Kyiv but will be free in June 2026. OL, LOSC, Lazio, and especially Villarreal are already on the starting line of the transfer. Between the warmth of Saint‑Symphorien and a possible Spanish partnership with Mikautadze, the final stretch promises to be thrilling.
Giorgi Tsitaishvili on fire: the pivotal match that sparked the rumor in Ligue 1
Against PSG, the dribbling snapped, the pace followed, and the left foot dictated the tempo. On the wing, Giorgi Tsitaishvili alternated inside runs and sharp crosses. Thus, FC Metz found clean outlets and clear-cut situations.
Technically, his short touches and play between the lines pushed Paris back. Tactically, his runs into the half-space freed the full-back and triggered overlaps. Above all, his defensive workload secured the transition. That’s why his performance changed the perception of the Metz dressing room.
A calibrated profile: left foot, dribbling and coordinated pressing
Over 90 minutes, he varies the registers. First the one-on-one, where his short dribble opens the crossing angle. Then the wall pass, which fixes before switching play. Finally, the curled shot, a signature of his left foot.
This mix appeals to coaching staffs because it adds to a true discipline without the ball. On the first press, Giorgi Tsitaishvili directs the build-up and triggers coordinated pressing. In fact, his profile ticks the modern boxes: creativity, efficiency, and collective discipline.
Recruiters also assess him on the repetition of efforts. Yet, his last month in competition confirms the consistency: 2 goals in 4 Ligue 1 matches, with decisive actions in the final third. This is the base fueling growing interest.
Imminent transfer: a free player in June 2026 attracting OL, LOSC, Lazio, and Villarreal
Contractually, the window opens wide. From January 1, he can freely discuss a pre‑contract, as he is tied to Dynamo Kyiv until summer. This situation creates a real battle on the transfer market around a rare and accessible profile.
The sporting departments sharpen their arguments. In France, OL and LOSC want incisiveness and a controlled salary. In Italy, Lazio has gathered information. In Spain, Villarreal relies on the connections of Georges Mikautadze to convince and reform a 100% Georgian duo.
- OL – Need for right-sided dribbling and left-foot variety to break blocks.
- LOSC – Priority on impact in zone 14 and quick transition.
- Lazio – Seeking a technical winger, compatible with 4‑3‑3 and 3‑4‑2‑1.
- Villarreal – Mikautadze connection, demanding Liga but familiar ground after Spain.
A fictional decision-maker, Paul R., sums up the equation: “zero transfer cost, signing bonus, immediate output.” In short, the quality-price ratio is unbeatable for a European team aiming for efficiency.
Career and numerical benchmarks before the Metz breakout
Born in Israel and son of a former pro, he travelled early to forge himself. Poland toughened him up (Lech Poznań, Wisła Kraków) before a milestone reached in Spain. At Granada, he registered 7 goals and 4 assists in Liga 2, proof of sustained production.
The national team also accelerated his maturity. At Euro 2024, he played 4 matches for Georgia in a high-intensity context. Having quietly arrived at Metz the following summer, he now establishes himself as a reliable value.
| Season | Club | Country | Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023‑24 | Granada CF | Spain | Liga 2 | — | 7 | 4 |
| 2024 | Georgia | International | Euro 2024 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 2025‑26 | FC Metz | France | Ligue 1 | — | 2 (in last 4) | — |
These benchmarks suffice: output settles and the ceiling rises. For a 25-year-old winger, the trajectory is coherent and readable.
This Spanish spell explains his mastery of tight spaces. Then, adaptation to French athletic density sharpened his profile finally.
Metz, a winning laboratory: role, systems, and complementarities
At Saint‑Symphorien, the staff clarified the framework. In a 4‑2‑3‑1, Giorgi Tsitaishvili starts on the right side to cut inside onto his left foot. In 3‑4‑2‑1, he occupies one of the two positions behind the striker to attack the half-spaces.
This positioning enhances the patterns. By switching play, he finds the opposite winger; by dropping deep, he connects with the midfielder. Above all, his sprinting recoveries protect the flank and stabilize the team on transition.
Europe in the sights: market scenarios and timetable
The timetable is clear. From January 1, he can commit for July with no fee. Meanwhile, Metz optimizes its second half of the season with a player in full confidence.
The Spanish scenario has an accelerator: Georges Mikautadze, now at Villarreal, advocates for a reunion in La Liga. Moreover, OL and LOSC promise European playing time through their sporting projects. Worth mentioning, he shares the same agent as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a guarantee of structured negotiations.
Which choice would prevail? Tactical comfort, a bridge to Europe, or a familiar environment in Spain. Whatever happens, the conquest of his future club is already underway, and the ball is in his court.
When will Giorgi Tsitaishvili be free to sign elsewhere?
From January 1, he can negotiate a pre‑contract. He will be free of any contract in June 2026, at the expiration of his commitment with Dynamo Kyiv.
Which clubs are closely following the player?
In France, OL and LOSC. Abroad, Lazio has inquired and Villarreal is pushing hard, notably thanks to the influence of Georges Mikautadze.
What did he achieve against PSG on December 13?
A performance full of mastery: winning dribbles, pace variations, dangerous crosses, and high defensive volume. This match changed the perception of his potential in Ligue 1.
What is his best position?
Right winger to cut inside onto the left foot or second striker in a 3‑4‑2‑1. He then exploits the half-spaces and multiplies decisive actions.
Why does he attract so much attention in Europe?
Because he is efficient, versatile, and soon to be free. His zero transfer cost and recent progress make him a rare opportunity for an ambitious team.