Paris Saint-Germain have completed the transfer of Illia Zabarnyi on a five-year deal, the French club has confirmed on their website. This is a historic step for the club, with Zabarnyi being the first-ever Ukrainian player in its history. The move from Bournemouth includes a transfer fee reported to be around 63 million euros ($73 million).
A star defender Zabarnyi joined AFC Bournemouth in January 2023, establishing himself quickly and logging 36 appearances last season. Due to his defensive prowess, Bournemouth enjoyed a club-best ninth-place finish in the Premier League. Even more astonishingly, this was their first-ever league campaign with a positive goal difference! His aggressive defending combined with his dominance in aerial duels have made his name synonymous with the league’s best enforcers.
After a standout campaign, Zabarnyi had recently signed a contract extension with Bournemouth until 2029. The opportunity to join PSG was simply too good to pass up. It’s no coincidence that it’s one of the best clubs in the world, after all!
Here’s why Zabarnyi is excited about this new chapter in his career.
“I’m very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain, the best club in the world, with the best project. I am here to give everything I have on the pitch and I’m looking forward to making my debut and meeting the fans,” – Illia Zabarnyi.
Even PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi expressed his excitement over the purchase.
“We’re delighted to continue the strengthening of our squad with the signature of Illia Zabarnyi. Illia is a talented international player and a great professional. He will make a major contribution to everything that we are building long-term at Paris Saint-Germain,” – PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Zabarnyi came through the youth ranks of Dynamo Kyiv, where he was a player of early promise, making his senior debut before his eventual arrival in England. It’s a testament to his personal development that his departure to PSG is fully expected. Beyond that, it’s a big step forward for Ukrainian representation in top-level European football.
As Paris Saint-Germain aims to solidify its position in both domestic and international competitions, Zabarnyi’s skills on the field will be crucial. There he has fortified the defense with impressive aplomb. This commitment seems to go hand-in-hand with the club’s longer-term plans of becoming more competitive in the Champions League and staying atop Ligue 1.
