Paris Saint-Germain have officially agreed a deal to sign Ukrainian defender Ilya Zabarnyi from AFC Bournemouth for a fee package worth €67 million. The 22-year-old centre-back will travel ahead of the UEFA Super Cup to complete his medical examination before signing a five-year contract with the French champions.
The agreement ends weeks of intensive negotiations between the clubs, with Zabarnyi having already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal. PSG successfully beat competition from Tottenham Hotspur, who had also submitted a significant bid for the Ukrainian defender.
The €67 million package is a good substantial profit for Bournemouth, who signed Zabarnyi from Dynamo Kyiv in winter 2023 for €22.7 million. However, Dynamo Kyiv will receive 20% of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause negotiated in the original deal.
Bournemouth’s valuation of nearly €70 million was partly to cover the sell-on clause owed to Dynamo Kyiv, with PSG’s final offer meeting the English club’s financial requirements. The deal represents one of the most expensive transfers involving a Premier League defender this summer.
The agreement concludes a prolonged negotiation process, with Zabarnyi reportedly growing impatient with the delays in reaching an agreement between the two clubs despite his desire to join Luis Enrique’s project.
Competition from Tottenham
PSG secured Zabarnyi despite Tottenham having a €70 million bid accepted by Bournemouth, with the Ukrainian ultimately choosing the Parisian club over the North London option. His preference for PSG proved decisive in finalizing the transfer.
The defender’s decision reflects PSG’s appeal as reigning French champions and their participation in the UEFA Champions League, providing him with the platform to compete at the highest European level consistently.
Tottenham’s late interest added complexity to the negotiations but ultimately failed to sway Zabarnyi from his preferred destination in the French capital.
Player Background and Performance
Zabarnyi established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young defenders during his time at Bournemouth, combining pace, aerial ability, and modern ball-playing skills that align with contemporary defensive requirements.
His development since joining from Ukraine has been impressive, adapting quickly to the physical demands of English football while maintaining the technical qualities that made him attractive to Europe’s elite clubs.
At 22 years old, Zabarnyi represents a long-term investment for PSG, offering several peak years ahead while providing immediate quality to strengthen their defensive options.
Strategic Context for PSG
The signing addresses PSG’s need for defensive reinforcement as Luis Enrique builds his squad for domestic and European challenges. Zabarnyi’s profile as a young, dynamic centre-back fits perfectly with the Spanish coach’s tactical preferences.
His arrival provides competition for existing defenders while adding depth crucial for competing across multiple competitions including Ligue 1, Champions League, and domestic cup tournaments.
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This is a key addition for PSG as they continue reshaping their squad following significant departures, with Zabarnyi expected to play a central role in their defensive structure.
Medical and Final Steps
The official announcement is expected soon, with documents said to be completed. Zabarnyi’s travel arrangements for medical examinations ahead of the UEFA Super Cup demonstrate PSG’s urgency to complete the formalities quickly.
This signing continues PSG’s active summer recruitment as they prepare for another challenging campaign under Luis Enrique’s guidance.
