Paris Saint-Germain, the European champions, has signed Ukrainian centre-back Illia Zabarnyi from Premier League club Bournemouth in a deal reportedly worth around £57 million ($76.7 million, 66 million euros). The 22-year-old defender becomes the first Ukrainian player to join PSG, and his signing is seen as a significant boost to the team’s defense. Zabarnyi, known for his aggressive defending and dominance in aerial duels, has impressed with his performances in the Premier League, making 36 appearances for Bournemouth last season and helping the team finish ninth.
Zabarnyi’s impressive form earned him the Bournemouth player of the season award in the previous campaign, and he has already made a name for himself as a talented international player. In a statement, PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi expressed delight in signing Zabarnyi, highlighting his potential to make a major contribution to the team’s long-term goals. Zabarnyi himself expressed his excitement to join PSG, stating that he is looking forward to making his debut and meeting the fans.
This signing is part of PSG’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their squad, following the departure of some key players. The deal marks the third major defensive signing out of Bournemouth this summer, after Milos Kerkez moved to Liverpool and Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid. With nine players nominated for the Ballon d’Or award, PSG is gearing up for another successful season, and Zabarnyi’s addition is expected to play a significant role in their pursuit of excellence.
