Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth for €68 million, sealing a deal that adds one of Europe’s most promising young centre-backs to Luis Enrique’s already dominant squad. The 22-year-old Ukrainian defender has signed a five-year contract running until 2030, further solidifying PSG’s long-term defensive strategy.
From Kyiv to Paris: Zabarnyi’s Rapid Rise
Zabarnyi’s career has been a study in steady progression and composure under pressure.
- January 2023 – Bournemouth signed him from Dynamo Kyiv for €22.7 million.
- Over 86 appearances for the Cherries, he became a defensive leader despite his age.
- Paired with Dean Huijsen, he formed one of the most reliable defensive duos in the Premier League last season.
His ability to read the game, win aerial duels, and distribute under pressure caught the attention of Europe’s elite, but PSG moved fastest to secure his services.
Why PSG Wanted Zabarnyi
Luis Enrique is fresh off a historic treble and a near miss at the Club World Cup. Far from settling, he’s building a squad capable of sustaining dominance in Ligue 1 and challenging consistently in the UEFA Champions League.
Key attributes PSG will value:
- Composure under pressure – Zabarnyi rarely rushes challenges and is adept at clean interceptions.
- Ball-playing ability – Comfortable stepping into midfield to start attacks, fitting Enrique’s possession-heavy style.
- Physical presence – At 1.89m, he is strong in the air and a constant threat during set-pieces.
- Tactical flexibility – Can adapt to both a back four and a back three, which Enrique often rotates between.
The Impact on PSG’s Defence
With the arrival of Zabarnyi, PSG now have a blend of experience and youth in defence:
- Marquinhos – Club captain and leader.
- Milan Škriniar – Brings Serie A toughness and Champions League experience.
- Lucas Hernández – Offers versatility across the backline.
- Illia Zabarnyi – The new-generation pillar.
This depth gives PSG options to rotate without sacrificing defensive stability — crucial for a team competing on multiple fronts.
Bournemouth’s Defensive Crisis
For Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, the sale of Zabarnyi is a major setback.
- Already lost Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.
- Zabarnyi was one of the key reasons fans dreamed of European qualification last season.
The Cherries now face the daunting task of replacing both of their defensive leaders in a single transfer window, a challenge that could define their Premier League campaign.
Contract and Financial Details
- Transfer fee: €68 million.
- Contract length: 5 years, until June 2030.
- Market context: Bournemouth bought Zabarnyi for €22.7 million just 18 months ago — meaning a €45+ million profit.
This fee makes Zabarnyi one of the most expensive defenders in Ligue 1 history, reflecting both his current ability and his potential ceiling.
Tactical Fit in Luis Enrique’s PSG
Luis Enrique demands ball progression from deep, and Zabarnyi’s passing range suits this perfectly. He’s expected to:
- Partner with Marquinhos in a ball-dominant backline.
- Step into midfield in build-up phases to create numerical advantages.
- Provide extra security against counter-attacks — an area where PSG have occasionally been exposed.
With Enrique often shifting between a 4-3-3 and a 3-2-5 in possession, Zabarnyi’s comfort in multiple shapes makes him an ideal piece of the puzzle.
What This Means for PSG’s 2025/26 Ambitions
After last season’s dominance, PSG’s challenge is sustained success. The signing of Zabarnyi:
- Future-proofs their defence.
- Signals intent to refresh rather than rely solely on current stars.
- Gives Luis Enrique the freedom to adapt tactics without compromising defensive quality.
If Zabarnyi adapts quickly, PSG could boast one of the most balanced backlines in Europe — combining technical skill, pace, and physicality.
PSG’s €68 million investment in Illia Zabarnyi is more than a signing — it’s a statement. Luis Enrique is building a side to dominate now and in the future, and the young Ukrainian could be at the heart of that vision for the next decade.
