Paris Saint-Germain Signs Ukrainian Defender Illia Zabarnyi From Bournemouth

‎Paris Saint-Germain announced the signing of 22-year-old centre-back Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth on a five-year deal, making him PSG’s first Ukrainian player in club history.

‎Financial details were not disclosed but media reports said the transfer fee was worth around 63 million euros ($73 million).

‎The Ukraine international was a key part of Bournemouth’s defensive line-up last season, making 36 appearances as the club achieved positive goal difference in a Premier League campaign for the first time, finishing ninth.

‎Zabarnyi is the latest Bournemouth defender to depart this summer after Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez signed for Liverpool.

‎”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,” Zabarnyi said in a statement.

‎Zabarnyi began his senior career with Dynamo Kyiv in his hometown before joining Bournemouth in January 2023 on a five-and-a-half-year deal.

‎The English club later extended his contract to 2029 after an impressive 2023-24 season. He is known for aggressive defending and his dominance in aerial duels.

‎”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 said.

‎PSG, reigning Ligue 1 and Champions League champions, take on Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.