Paris Saint-Germain are on the verge of sealing a major defensive signing, with Ilya Zabarnyi touching down in the French capital today, to wrap up his move from AFC Bournemouth.
Softfootball reports that the 22-year-old Ukrainian centre-back’s transfer was effectively tied up on Saturday, August 9, when both clubs signed off on the paperwork for Zabarnyi, after announcing the signing of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
The agreement, initially set at around €66 million, is expected to rise to €70 million including bonuses, making Zabarnyi one of the most expensive defenders in Ligue 1 history.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on his official X account, writing:
“Ilya Zabarnyi has just landed in Paris to join PSG from Bournemouth, all signed between clubs yesterday.”
Zabarnyi is scheduled to undergo his medical and put pen to paper on a five-year deal, a contract that was reportedly agreed back in May 2025, well before PSG began formal talks with Bournemouth.
The move ends speculation over his future, with Tottenham Hotspur and other top European sides having shown serious interest. In the end, Zabarnyi’s mind was made up Paris or nothing.
His arrival is set to trigger further changes in PSG’s backline. Brazilian defender Lucas Beraldo has already asked to leave, and the club has agreed to let him go once a replacement was secured. Zabarnyi’s imminent signing ticks that box, paving the way for Beraldo’s exit in the coming days.
For PSG, it’s a statement move a young, physically dominant defender entering his prime, joining the reigning Ligue 1 and Champions League Champions. For Bournemouth, it’s a record sale and a chance to reinvest. And for Zabarnyi, it’s the next step in a career that looks set to reach new heights in Paris.
