Davitashvili wants to leave ASSE, but €20m price tag blocks all progress

Zuriko Davitashvili has officially requested to leave AS Saint-Étienne this summer, but the price set by the Ligue 1 club is blocking any concrete progress for now. According to Peuple Vert, Saint-Étienne’s board is demanding a minimum of €20 million to let the Georgian winger leave, with his contract running until 2028.

Ivan Gazidis and Kilmer Sports are not opposed to the 25-year-old’s departure, provided the offer meets their expectations. This valuation represents nearly double Transfermarkt’s estimate, which places the player at €12 million, and sets the bar very high for declared suitors.

Atalanta, Besiktas and Olympiakos have each made enquiries about the deal, without taking the next step. Saint-Étienne’s demands have so far been enough to cool discussions before they truly get started.

This stance does carry some risk, however. Davitashvili, who had a notable Euro 2024 with Georgia, hopes to join a top European club and does not want the asking price to discourage all interested parties. At this stage, the matter is at a standstill and nothing suggests a quick resolution.

The situation echoes that of Lucas Stassin, for whom ASSE adopted a similar strategy: openness to departure, but refusal to sell cheap. A guideline that reflects the club’s desire to maximise its revenue in this summer transfer window, even if it means prolonging uncertainty around one of its most bankable players.