Kakhaber Khizanishvili: A Career Journey Through European Football
Kakhaber Khizanishvili established himself as a resilient defender whose career spanned several of Europe's most competitive leagues. From his early days in Georgia to the high-pressure environments of the English and Scottish top flights, Khizanishvili's journey is a testament to professional perseverance and adaptability.
Early Career in Georgia
Khizanishvili began his professional path at Dinamo Tbilisi, though he spent only one season with the club. Seeking more consistent first-team opportunities, he moved to FC Tbilisi to secure regular playing time.
By 1999, he joined Lokomotiv Tbilisi, the city rivals of his previous two clubs. His impressive form at Lokomotiv attracted attention from some of Europe's elite teams. However, his tenure there ended on a difficult note as injuries hampered his final days, eventually leading to the termination of his contract and his release from the club.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Rise in Scotland
In March 2001, after unsuccessful trials with English clubs Arsenal, Fulham, and West Ham United, Khizanishvili signed with Dundee. He made an immediate impact at Dens Park, showcasing a level of play that caught the eye of the Scottish giants, Rangers.
In July 2003, he joined Rangers via a Bosman transfer—a regulation allowing players to move for free at the end of their contract. He was brought in specifically to replace defender Lorenzo Amoruso, who was departing for Blackburn Rovers.
The English Experience
Khizanishvili's time at Ibrox started strongly with 35 appearances in his first season. However, as he fell out of favor with the management, he moved to the English FA Premier League on loan to Blackburn Rovers on August 31, 2005.
During this loan period, he found the net twice: once in a 2–0 league victory over Manchester City and once in a 3–1 League Cup win against Huddersfield Town. His performances earned him a permanent move to Blackburn on April 10, 2006, in a deal rumored to be worth approximately £500,000.
The 2006-07 season marked a peak in his English career, where he started more than half of the matches across domestic competitions and the UEFA Cup (a major annual football competition for European clubs). Despite this, he struggled to maintain a consistent starting role under subsequent managers Mark Hughes, Paul Ince, and Sam Allardyce.
His later years at Blackburn were characterized by various loan spells. In September 2009, he spent three months with Championship side Newcastle United. He then moved to Reading in January 2010 for the remainder of the season, eventually returning to Reading on another season-long loan for the 2010-11 campaign.
While at Reading, he played a full 90 minutes in a 1–0 FA Cup quarter-final loss to Manchester City on March 13, 2011. His tenure culminated in the Championship play-off final against Swansea City on May 30, 2011. In a challenging match, Khizanishvili received a booking in the 12th minute and conceded a penalty in the 20th minute following a challenge on Nathan Dyer; Reading ultimately lost 4–2. He finished his second Reading loan with 29 total appearances, 24 of which were in the league.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Later Career in Turkey and Azerbaijan
Following his release from Blackburn, Khizanishvili moved to Turkey to join Kayserispor, where he spent three seasons competing in the Turkish league.
The final chapter of his professional career took place in June 2015, when he signed a six-month contract with Inter Baku PIK in the Azerbaijan Premier League.
Key Facts
- Career Start: Began at Dinamo Tbilisi before moving to FC Tbilisi and Lokomotiv Tbilisi.
- Scottish Success: Played for Dundee and Rangers, joining the latter as a Bosman transfer in 2003.
- English Tenure: Spent significant time at Blackburn Rovers, including a permanent transfer rumored at £500,000.
- Loan Spells: Had multiple loan stints at Newcastle United and Reading.
- International Reach: Played professionally in Georgia, Scotland, England, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
| Country | Notable Clubs | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Dinamo Tbilisi, FC Tbilisi, Lokomotiv Tbilisi | Early professional development |
| Scotland | Dundee, Rangers | Bosman transfer to Rangers in 2003 |
| England | Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, Reading | UEFA Cup appearances; 29 apps for Reading (2nd loan) |
| Turkey | Kayserispor | Three-season tenure |
| Azerbaijan | Inter Baku PIK | Final professional contract (2015) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which English clubs did Khizanishvili play for?
He played for Blackburn Rovers (both on loan and permanently), Newcastle United (on loan), and Reading (on two separate loan spells).
How did he join Rangers FC?
He joined Rangers in July 2003 via a Bosman transfer, serving as a replacement for defender Lorenzo Amoruso.
What happened during the 2011 Championship play-off final?
Playing for Reading against Swansea City, Khizanishvili was booked in the 12th minute and conceded a penalty in the 20th minute. Reading lost the match 4–2.
Where did Khizanishvili spend the final stages of his career?
He spent three seasons with Kayserispor in Turkey before signing a final six-month contract with Inter Baku PIK in Azerbaijan in June 2015.
Did he ever score goals in the English Premier League?
Yes, during his loan spell at Blackburn, he scored once in the league during a 2–0 home victory over Manchester City.