PSG Sign Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth in €63m Deal to Strengthen Defense Ahead of UEFA Super Cup

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have officially completed the signing of Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth in a deal worth €63 million (around £54.5 million), plus €3 million in performance-related bonuses (Sky Sports).

The 22-year-old Ukrainian defender has signed a five-year contract running until 2030 (Reuters), becoming the first Ukrainian player in PSG’s history. He joins just days before the UEFA Super Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur on 13 August 2025.

From Kyiv to Paris: Zabarnyi’s rise

• Early Career: A Dynamo Kyiv academy graduate, Zabarnyi broke into the senior side in 2020 and quickly became a regular for both club and country.
• Premier League Experience: Joined Bournemouth in January 2023, making 86 appearances and playing a key role in their 2023–24 ninth-place finish—their highest in the Premier League and first season with a positive goal difference.
• Recognition: Named Bournemouth’s Supporters’ Player of the Season in 2023–24. He has earned 49 caps for Ukraine as of August 2025.

Transfer details and Bournemouth’s summer moves

PSG’s acquisition underscores their determination to strengthen ahead of the new season, while Bournemouth undergo a significant defensive reshuffle.

• Fee Structure: Initial €63 million, rising to €66 million with add-ons (Sky Sports).

• Contract: Five years, indicating PSG’s long-term planning in defense.

• Bournemouth’s Response: Zabarnyi’s departure follows the exits of Dean Huijsen (to Real Madrid) and Milos Kerkez (to Liverpool). The Cherries are reportedly pursuing Bafodé Diakité from Lille as a replacement.

With the UEFA Super Cup looming, PSG’s investment in Zabarnyi signals their intent to compete on multiple fronts, while Bournemouth face the challenge of rebuilding quickly to remain competitive in the Premier League

PSG’s perspective: Building for the present and future

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi welcomed the signing:

“Illia is a young talent with huge potential and professionalism. He will make a major contribution to everything we are building long-term at Paris Saint-Germain.”

Manager Luis Enrique now has a deep central defensive pool including Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Presnel Kimpembe, and Lucas Beraldo.

Zabarnyi’s aerial dominance, composure in possession, and Premier League experience are expected to make him a key figure immediately.

Strategic timing ahead of the UEFA Super Cup

The signing comes just before PSG face Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup. It not only bolsters their defense but also signals a broader shift in transfer strategy—investing in high-ceiling, young talents who can deliver both instant impact and long-term value.

A new era in PSG’s transfer strategy

Zabarnyi’s arrival encapsulates PSG’s new transfer philosophy—targeting rising stars with both immediate impact and long-term upside. It’s a statement that the French champions are building a squad for sustained dominance, not just short-term glory.