Georges Mikautadze Villarreal: Proving himself in La Liga

The Georges Mikautadze Villarreal move came in the summer of 2026, when the Spanish club signed him after his strong period in France. The Georges Mikautadze Villarreal transfer gave him the opportunity to play in La Liga, one of Europe’s top leagues, and to test himself at a higher level. At 24, he arrived with experience from Ligue 1 and international football, but also with the responsibility to prove himself again in a new environment.

He is 24 years old, born in October 2000, and his name first became widely known during the 2022/23 season with Metz. That year, he scored 23 goals in Ligue 2 and finished as the league’s top scorer, helping Metz win promotion to Ligue 1. He was not only scoring regularly, but also deciding important matches, which brought attention from clubs outside France.

His style is easy to recognise. He does not hesitate when he finds space near the box. He often aims for the far corner, keeping his shots low and precise, which makes it difficult for goalkeepers to react. Many of his goals at Metz came from these situations, where his quick control and fast decision-making made the difference.

From Metz to Ajax – When Everything Became Difficult

At Metz, he already understood his role. He was not just another striker in the squad. He was their main attacking player and the one the team relied on in front of goal.

During the 2022/23 season, he scored 23 goals in Ligue 2 and finished as the league’s top scorer, helping Metz finish first and secure promotion to Ligue 1. His performances gave him confidence, and he became an important part of the team’s identity.

His form attracted interest from bigger clubs, and in August 2023, Ajax signed him for around €16 million. It was one of the club’s major transfers that summer and showed they believed in his potential. The move was expected to be the next step in his development.

However, his time in Amsterdam did not go as planned. He played only nine Eredivisie matches and scored two goals. He was often used as a substitute and struggled to find a regular place in the starting lineup. For a striker, regular minutes are essential to maintain confidence and consistency, and without them, it becomes difficult to perform at the same level.

By January 2024, just five months after joining Ajax, he returned to Metz on loan. That decision allowed him to play regularly again and rebuild the rhythm he had before. This difficult period became an important part of his journey before the Georges Mikautadze Villarreal move later gave him a new opportunity to prove himself in La Liga.

The Return That Saved His Career

Ajax sent him back to Metz on loan in January 2024. He needed to play again. He needed minutes and responsibility. Metz also needed him, because they were fighting to stay competitive in Ligue 1.

He did not need long to show his level. After returning, he scored 13 goals in 20 matches in all competitions. These were not just numbers. These were the goals that gave Metz belief during a difficult season. He became their main attacking player again, and the team trusted him in important moments.

You could see the difference immediately. His movement was more confident. He was asking for the ball more. He was taking responsibility inside the box. He was finishing chances calmly, the way he had done before. This period helped him recover not only his form, but also his confidence after the difficult Ajax experience. It became a key step before the Georges Mikautadze Villarreal move later brought him to a new level.

Then came the biggest moment of that year.

At UEFA Euro 2024, he played a crucial role for Georgia in their first major international tournament. He scored three goals during the competition, including important goals against Turkey and the Czech Republic. His performances helped Georgia reach the knockout stage, which was already a historic achievement for the national team.