Zabarnyi, ex-Bournemouth, joins PSG as new reinforcement for R$415.8 million until 2030

Paris Saint-Germain announced on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the signing of 22-year-old Ukrainian defender Ilya Zabarnyi in a deal valued at 66 million euros, equivalent to R$415.8 million at the current exchange rate. The player, who stood out at Bournemouth in the Premier League, signed a contract until 2030 and becomes the first Ukrainian to wear the French club’s jersey. The transfer, finalized after intense negotiations, bolsters PSG’s defense for the 2025/26 season under coach Luis Enrique. Zabarnyi will wear the number 6 shirt and arrives to compete with Marquinhos and Pacho, key players in the Champions League triumph. The signing was a direct request from the coach, aiming for rejuvenation and solidity in the defensive sector. Zabarnyi expressed enthusiasm for the new challenge, calling PSG’s project the best in the world.

Zabarnyi’s arrival marks PSG’s second major move in the transfer window, following the signing of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille. The reigning European champions are preparing for the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham, scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, in Udine, Italy. The Ukrainian is unlikely to play in the match but has already joined training sessions.

• Key transfer details:
• Value: 66 million euros (R$415.8 million).
• Contract: Five years, until June 2030.
• Shirt: Number 6.
• Status: First Ukrainian in PSG’s history.

Zabarnyi’s journey to PSG

Ilya Zabarnyi began his career at Dynamo Kyiv, where he emerged as one of Ukraine’s brightest prospects. Promoted to the first team in 2019, he played 84 matches and won three national titles before moving to Bournemouth in 2023. In the Premier League, he impressed with his maturity, composure, and ball-playing ability. In the 2024/25 season, he was a key figure for Bournemouth, which finished ninth, playing 39 games and earning the Player of the Season award, voted by fans. His departure, while lucrative for the English club, leaves a gap in their defense, already weakened by the exits of Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez.

With the Ukrainian national team, Zabarnyi has been a regular starter since 2020, debuting at 18 against France. With 49 caps and three goals, he featured in notable campaigns, including the Euro 2022 and 2024 quarter-finals. His international experience and versatility made him a target for clubs like Tottenham, which had a 70-million-euro bid accepted by Bournemouth, but Zabarnyi chose PSG’s project.

🎥 La première journée d'Illia Zabarnyi à Paris ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/gFWxm1qW48

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) August 12, 2025

Impact on PSG’s defense

Zabarnyi’s arrival strengthens an already solid defensive unit seeking renewal. Marquinhos, the captain, and Pacho, the Ecuadorian, form a reliable center-back pairing, pivotal in the 2024/25 Champions League victory. However, Luis Enrique sees the Ukrainian as an ideal addition for depth and competition. At 1.86m, Zabarnyi combines physical strength, game reading, and play-building skills, aligning with the coach’s style.

PSG, under constant pressure for results in Ligue 1 and Europe, views the signing as a long-term investment. At 22, Zabarnyi has the potential to become one of Europe’s top defenders, especially in a star-studded squad featuring Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and João Neves. His integration will test his adaptation to the club’s intense pace and demanding fanbase.

• Zabarnyi’s standout attributes:
• Speed and strength in aerial duels.
• Ability to initiate plays with precise passes.
• Tactical discipline in various defensive systems.
• Experience in high-level competitions like the Premier League and Euro.

Negotiations and deal details

Negotiations between PSG and Bournemouth began in June 2025 but faced initial resistance from the English club, which demanded 70 million euros. Bournemouth’s reluctance stemmed from Zabarnyi’s central role, but the player’s desire to join the European champions tipped the scales. The final deal, closed at 66 million euros, includes performance bonuses, such as 1.5 million euros if PSG wins Ligue 1 and another 1.5 million for a Champions League title.

Dynamo Kyiv, Zabarnyi’s youth club, will receive 20% of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause. The deal reflects PSG’s strategy of investing in young talents with high resale potential, a hallmark of sporting director Luis Campos’ work. Zabarnyi’s choice of Paris, despite interest from Tottenham and Newcastle, underscores the appeal of PSG’s ambitious project.

European market repercussions

Zabarnyi’s exit is another blow to Bournemouth, which also lost defenders Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid) and Milos Kerkez (Liverpool) in this window. To fill the gap, Bournemouth swiftly signed Bafodé Diakité from Lille for 35 million euros, plus 5 million in bonuses. The intense transfer activity highlights the growing demand for young, versatile defenders suited to modern play-building systems.

At PSG, Zabarnyi’s signing signals further squad changes. The arrival of Lucas Chevalier and the potential departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who faces uncertainty over his contract renewal, indicate a strategic overhaul. Fans, excited about the new addition, have shown support on social media, with Ousmane Dembélé notably following Zabarnyi on Instagram, a gesture reciprocated by the Ukrainian.

• PSG’s key moves in the transfer window:
• Signing of Lucas Chevalier (goalkeeper, Lille).
• Interest in new midfield reinforcements.
• Potential exit of Donnarumma.
• Focus on young talents for the 2025/26 season.

Season expectations

Zabarnyi joins PSG at a time of high expectations. The club, fresh off a Champions League title, faces Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup, a chance to showcase its reinforced squad. While Zabarnyi is unlikely to feature, his presence in training in Udine marks the start of his Parisian journey. Ligue 1, kicking off soon, will be his next stage to prove his worth, particularly against top attackers.

The demanding PSG fanbase expects Zabarnyi to bring consistency to an already elite defense. His adaptation to Luis Enrique’s possession-based, fast-transition style will be critical. The Ukrainian, confident in his presentation, expressed pride in making history as the club’s first Ukrainian player.

• Factors that may influence Zabarnyi’s success:
• Adaptation to Ligue 1 and Champions League pace.
• Competition with Marquinhos and Pacho for a starting spot.
• Integration with PSG’s star-studded squad.
• Support from fans and pressure for immediate results.

History of Ukrainian transfers

Zabarnyi’s signing ranks as the second-largest transfer of a Ukrainian player, behind Mykhailo Mudryk’s 70-million-euro move from Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea in 2023. In PSG’s transfer history, Zabarnyi’s fee places him as the ninth-biggest investment, behind stars like Neymar (222 million euros) and Kylian Mbappé (180 million euros). His arrival reinforces PSG’s strategy of tapping into emerging markets like Eastern Europe.

Zabarnyi’s move is also symbolic. As the first Ukrainian at PSG, he carries the responsibility of representing his country on one of football’s biggest stages. His journey from Kyiv to Bournemouth and now Paris is a tale of rapid rise, and the coming years will determine if he can establish himself as a top defender of his generation.