Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has made a significant move in the summer transfer window by securing the services of Bournemouth's highly-rated defender Illia Zabarnyi. The 22-year-old Ukrainian international has been a standout performer for the Cherries, attracting interest from top clubs across Europe.
The deal, reportedly worth around £30 million, sees Zabarnyi join the French giants on a long-term contract. PSG's sporting director praised the young defender's composure, versatility, and potential to develop into one of Europe's elite centre-backs.
Why Zabarnyi is a coup for PSG
Since joining Bournemouth from Dynamo Kyiv in 2023, Zabarnyi has:
- Made 45 Premier League appearances
- Established himself as a first-team regular
- Shown remarkable maturity for his age
- Demonstrated excellent ball-playing abilities
His performances have drawn comparisons to some of the best defenders in the game, making this transfer a potential bargain for PSG in today's inflated market.
What this means for Bournemouth
While the Cherries will be disappointed to lose their defensive lynchpin, the substantial fee provides manager Andoni Iraola with significant funds to reinvest in the squad. The club has already identified several potential replacements as they look to build on last season's mid-table finish.
For Zabarnyi, the move represents a chance to compete for major trophies and test himself in the Champions League. PSG fans will be eager to see if the young Ukrainian can help shore up a defence that has sometimes looked vulnerable in recent seasons.
