Napoli Told They Have A Player Who Could Become The New Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Alisson Santos has been tipped for great things at Napoli.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 04 February 2026
Alisson Santos is already being talked about in big terms, before he has even kicked a ball for Napoli.
Napoli have signed Santos from Sporting Lisbon, on loan for a reported €3m fee with option to buy for €16m.
Former Brazil international Paulo Silas says the 23-year-old has “something” of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, plus “a lot of hunger”.
Alisson Santos: why Napoli newcomer reminds Paulo Silas of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Alisson Santos is a “pure” left winger who can also play on the other side, according to Paulo Silas.
But Silas believes the Brazilian is at his most dangerous when he starts wide on the left, receives the ball, then drifts inside to “invent something” in the final third.
That is where the comparison with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia begins – even if Silas is careful to stress it is not the same player, “not yet”.
Speaking to Il Mattino, Silas said: “The formation isn’t important for him. He’s a pure left winger.
“He can also play on the other flank, but if you put him wide on the left, he receives the ball, moves inside, and you can be sure he’ll come up with something.
Alisson Santos’ meteoric rise:
2022: playing in Série C for Vitória
2023: playing in Série C for Figueirense
2024: from Série C to Portuguese 2nd division
2025: Sporting Clutch Player in the Champions League
2026: Signs for Napoli on loan pic.twitter.com/27Oh7szXTR
— Sam Fonseca (@SamFonsecaa) February 1, 2026
“At Napoli, I’m sure he’ll play in that position, also because I see something of Kvara in him.
“Obviously, it’s not the same. Or rather, maybe it’s not yet. Because he has those characteristics: dribbling and shooting.
“He prefers to receive the ball on the touchline and drive in from the left to shoot with his right foot.
“I’ve also seen him play on the opposite flank and he wasn’t very comfortable, but as soon as he moved back to the left, he made an assist.”
Why Alisson Santos can be a hit for Napoli in Serie A
Paulo Silas says he knows Alisson Santos’ qualities well and believes they will translate to Italy.
The Brazilian coach and pundit points out that the winger’s level has not dropped as the stage has risen.
Silas claims he saw Santos perform the same way in the Champions League as he did in Portugal’s second tier.
Silas also feels Santos has the mindset to cope with the pressure that comes with playing for Napoli.
Subbed on → Scored → Qualification secured 🔒
ALISSON CLUTCH SANTOS 🌟 pic.twitter.com/NTOUnAPmnF
— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) January 28, 2026
In his view, Santos is brave and bold, the type of winger who wants to take responsibility rather than hide from it.
And, above all, Silas says the player has a fierce ambition to succeed. He described Santos as “a Brazilian who is hungry, very hungry”.
“He knows exactly what he wants,” Silas added, “and he really does everything to get it.”
In other news, Napoli have stepped up contract talks with Scott McTominay to stave off Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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