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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have made yet another statement signing by securing the services of Ukrainian centre-back Illia Zabarnyi from Premier League side Bournemouth for a reported £57 million (€66 million). The French and European champions announced the transfer on Tuesday, marking a historic moment as Zabarnyi becomes the first Ukrainian to play for the club.
The move further strengthens PSG’s defensive options ahead of a season where the expectations remain sky-high after their historic 2024–25 Champions League triumph.
A Landmark Move for Player and Club
Zabarnyi’s arrival is significant not only because of his individual talent but also because of the precedent it sets. PSG, a club long associated with attracting top names from France, Brazil, Argentina, and Italy, had never before signed a Ukrainian footballer in their modern history.
“Paris Saint-Germain are excited to welcome Illia Zabarnyi,” the club said in an official statement. “We believe his qualities and mentality will make him an invaluable part of our project moving forward.”
At just 22 years old, Zabarnyi has already built a reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable young defenders. Known for his composure, aerial dominance, and ball-playing ability, he is seen as a perfect fit for PSG’s evolving style under manager Luis Enrique.
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The Marquinhos Question
One immediate talking point is how Zabarnyi’s signing will impact the role of long-time PSG captain Marquinhos. The Brazilian has been a central figure at the Parc des Princes for over a decade, but his form in recent seasons has drawn mixed reviews.
With the addition of Zabarnyi — and the club’s existing defensive depth that includes Milan Škriniar, Presnel Kimpembe, and Lucas Hernández — Enrique will face selection headaches.
Some French media outlets have already speculated that Marquinhos could see reduced playing time, particularly if Enrique opts for a pairing of Zabarnyi and Škriniar in high-profile matches. Others believe the Brazilian could be shifted into a defensive midfield role, as he has been used in the past.
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A Breakthrough Season at Bournemouth
Zabarnyi’s rise to prominence accelerated during the 2024–25 Premier League season. Bournemouth, widely tipped for relegation at the start of the campaign, defied expectations by finishing ninth — their joint-highest top-flight finish in history.
Zabarnyi was at the heart of that success. His reading of the game, physical presence, and calmness in possession made him indispensable. Bournemouth supporters voted him their Player of the Season, cementing his status as one of the league’s top defensive performers.
His performances inevitably attracted interest from bigger clubs, but few expected PSG to be the side to make the decisive move, especially given their recent focus on attacking reinforcements.
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Bournemouth’s Defensive Exodus
The sale of Zabarnyi marks the third high-profile defensive departure for Bournemouth in just a few months. Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez was snapped up by Premier League champions Liverpool, while young centre-back Dean Huijsen made the switch to Real Madrid.
This defensive reshuffle leaves Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola with a considerable rebuilding task ahead of the 2025–26 season. The club has already begun scouting replacements, but losing three starting defenders in one transfer window will test their squad depth.
Despite the disappointment, Bournemouth will profit significantly from Zabarnyi’s sale. Acquired from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023 for a reported £20 million, his value has more than doubled in just two years.
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PSG’s Transfer Window: From Strength to Strength
The signing of Zabarnyi follows PSG’s acquisition of highly-rated Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier just days earlier. Chevalier, considered one of the brightest young shot-stoppers in Ligue 1, has been brought in amid growing uncertainty over the future of Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Reports from France suggest Donnarumma has not been included in the squad for the upcoming European Super Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur in Italy, further fueling speculation about his potential departure.
PSG’s Qatari ownership has shown no signs of slowing down in the transfer market, targeting both immediate reinforcements and long-term investments. Their Champions League win in May — a resounding 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan — has only increased expectations for domestic and continental dominance.
Tactical Fit Under Luis Enrique
Luis Enrique has made it clear since taking charge that he values defenders who can contribute both defensively and offensively. Zabarnyi’s comfort in building play from the back and his composure under pressure make him an ideal candidate for Enrique’s possession-heavy system.
In a back-four, he is likely to partner Škriniar or Marquinhos, while in a back-three setup, he could operate as the central anchor, flanked by quicker, more mobile defenders like Kimpembe or Hernández.
His height (1.89m) and aerial prowess will also add a new dimension to PSG’s set-piece threat, an area where they have been inconsistent in recent seasons.
First Ukrainian in PSG Colours
While the transfer fee and tactical implications are making headlines, the historical aspect of the signing should not be overlooked. Ukraine has produced top-level football talent — Andriy Shevchenko, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, Oleksandr Zinchenko — but PSG have never before tapped into this market.
Zabarnyi’s move could pave the way for more Ukrainian players to feature in France’s top flight, especially given Ligue 1’s growing reputation as a development ground for young stars.
The European Super Cup Looms
Zabarnyi’s arrival comes just a day before PSG face Tottenham Hotspur in the European Super Cup final. While it is unlikely he will feature in the match given the timing of his signing, fans are already eager to see him in action.
The match will be held in Italy, and victory would give PSG yet another piece of silverware to add to their growing collection. With domestic league play set to begin shortly after, Enrique will have to decide whether to integrate Zabarnyi immediately or allow him time to adapt to the team’s style and environment.
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A Busy Few Weeks Ahead
For Zabarnyi, the coming weeks will be about settling into life in Paris, understanding Enrique’s tactical demands, and building chemistry with his new teammates. For PSG, the focus remains on maintaining momentum after last season’s successes while managing the expectations of a star-studded squad.
The young Ukrainian has already shown in the Premier League that he can adapt quickly and thrive under pressure — qualities that will be tested even further at one of the most scrutinised clubs in world football.
What They Said
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Luis Enrique, PSG Manager: “Illia is a player with enormous potential and maturity beyond his years. His presence will make us stronger in every way.”
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Bournemouth CEO Neill Blake: “While we are sad to see Illia go, this transfer reflects the incredible work our recruitment and coaching staff have done. We wish him the very best at PSG.”
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Zabarnyi himself: “It’s a dream to join a club of PSG’s stature. I’m grateful to Bournemouth for everything, but now I’m ready for this next challenge.”
Conclusion
PSG’s capture of Illia Zabarnyi is another example of their strategic shift toward combining proven world-class talent with young, high-potential signings. At £57 million, the club is making a clear statement about its ambitions to remain at the top of European football for years to come.
For Zabarnyi, the move represents both a personal milestone and a professional challenge. As the first Ukrainian to don the famous PSG shirt, he carries not just the hopes of a club but also the pride of a nation.
With the new Ligue 1 season and the European Super Cup on the horizon, PSG fans won’t have to wait long to see whether their latest defensive star can rise to the occasion
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