Paris Saint-Germain have officially secured the services of Ukrainian centre-back Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth. The deal, valued at approximately €70 million including bonuses, was confirmed by multiple sources on August 12, 2025.
Zabarnyi has signed a five-year contract extending until 2030. The formal announcement states that PSG finalized the transfer ahead of their UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham on August 13 in Udine, Italy.
This timely acquisition is seen as a strategic move by head coach Luis Enrique, who prioritized bolstering the backline after less-than-optimal defensive displays, particularly during the FIFA Club World Cup final.
Zabarnyi, 22, earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most promising defensive talents during his time at Bournemouth.
A commanding centre-back known for his aerial dominance, clearances, and composure under pressure, the Ukrainian formed a solid partnership with Dean Huijsen—the latter having just departed for Real Madrid.
The acquisition traces back to early in the summer. PSG had long regarded Zabarnyi as a top priority, engaging in negotiations with Bournemouth as early as January.
However, the clubs initially struggled to reconcile the transfer fee, with Bournemouth holding out for their €70 million valuation due to considerable interest from other suitors.
A series of bids followed—one reported figure being €60 million plus bonuses—and Zabarnyi had reportedly agreed personal terms with PSG well before the deal was finalized.
Despite competing interest from clubs like Newcastle, Manchester City, and Tottenham—who reportedly launched what would have been a club-record offer near €70 million—PSG remained the frontrunners, in part due to the player’s clear preference to join the European champions.
At Bournemouth, Zabarnyi’s departure is part of a broader summer exodus that has already seen the exits of Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and Kepa, generating over £150 million in transfer revenues. The club is now pursuing replacements, with Lille’s Bafodé Diakité emerging as a key target to fill the void in central defence.
Zabarnyi’s journey began in the youth ranks of Dynamo Kyiv, before making a name for himself in Ukraine’s top flight. He moved to Bournemouth in January 2023, quickly establishing himself as a mainstay in the back-line.
His strong international showing—he’s earned nearly 50 caps for Ukraine—adds to his credentials as a prolific and mature defender despite his youth.
Beyond the statistics and transfer figures, Zabarnyi is known for his character and mentality. In a candid interview, he described how he had to toughen his approach on the pitch, citing advice from mentor Mircea Lucescu: “When I started playing I was too kind on the pitch… I had to stop being too nice. I play against experienced players… Every time I need to learn more, to be better tomorrow than I was yesterday.” T
This commitment to growth resonated at Bournemouth, where manager Andoni Iraola praised the Ukrainian as “very, very reliable… when he has something to say, you have to listen.”
Zabarnyi also carries the weight of global events as a Ukrainian athlete. In that interview, he spoke movingly about the war’s impact on his homeland and his family’s safety.
He emphasized his role in raising awareness, remarking on the hardships endured by Ukrainians: “My mind is always on my country… I am thankful because I live in safety… My duty, my mission, is to translate what is going on in my country to the world.”