PSG to complete €70m signing of Bournemouth defender Zabarnyi

 

PSG'S SUMMER SPREE CONTINUES: €70M ZABARNYI TO BECOME LATEST BIG-MONEY SIGNING

Paris Saint-Germain are on the verge of finalizing a deal for Illya Zabarnyi, with the 22-year-old Ukrainian defender set to join the reigning Ligue 1 champions from AFC Bournemouth. The transfer is now in its final stages, with only minor formalities remaining before an official announcement is expected.

Zabarnyi has impressed consistently in the Premier League since joining Bournemouth in 2023, quickly becoming one of the league’s most reliable young centre-backs. Known for his calmness on the ball, strong aerial presence, and mature positional play, the Ukrainian international has caught the attention of several top European clubs over the past year.

PSG, however, have moved quickest, and sources close to the negotiations suggest that terms between all parties—clubs and player—are essentially agreed. Zabarnyi is expected to sign a long-term contract at Parc des Princes, likely until 2029, as the club continues its rebuild with young, high-potential talents.

This transfer aligns with PSG’s recent focus on assembling a younger, more balanced squad, with an emphasis on defensive stability following multiple changes in their backline. Zabarnyi is seen as a natural partner to the likes of Milan Škriniar or Lucas Hernández and a long-term successor to Marquinhos.

Bournemouth, while reluctant to lose one of their standout performers, are reportedly set to receive a significant fee—believed to be in excess of €40 million—which would make Zabarnyi one of the most expensive departures in the club’s history.

An official announcement could be made within days, pending final contract formalities and medicals. Zabarnyi is expected to join PSG’s squad before the start of the 2025–26 season and could be registered in time for the Trophée des Champions curtain-raiser.