Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Ukrainian international defender Illia Zabarnyi from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.
The 22-year-old centre-back has signed a long-term deal with the French champions, marking PSG’s latest move to strengthen their defensive line ahead of the 2025/26 season. The transfer fee has not been officially disclosed, but reports suggest the deal was worth around £57 million ($76.7 million, 66 million euros).
“Paris Saint-Germain are excited to welcome Illia Zabarnyi,” PSG said in a statement, adding he would be the first Ukrainian ever to play for the club.
The arrival of Zabarnyi, 22, could jeopardise the place of Brazilian stalwart Marquinhos in the starting lineup.
Zabarnyi had an impressive 2024-2025 season in England when Bournemouth finished ninth and the club’s supporters voted him their player of the season in the previous campaign.
Zabarnyi joined Bournemouth in 2023 from Dynamo Kyiv and quickly became a key figure in their backline, earning praise for his composure, aerial ability, and strong positional sense. His performances in the Premier League caught the attention of top European clubs, with PSG ultimately securing his signature.
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“Illia is a young player with great potential and valuable international experience,” said PSG sporting director Luís Campos. “He will bring depth and solidity to our defense as we prepare for a challenging season across all competitions.”
Zabarnyi has earned over 30 caps for the Ukrainian national team and featured prominently during their Euro 2024 campaign. He is expected to join PSG’s pre-season training immediately and could make his debut in the upcoming Ligue 1 fixture this weekend.
Bournemouth have now sold three of their first-choice defensive lineup from last season after Milos Kerkez moved to Premier League champions Liverpool and Dean Huijsen was transferred to Real Madrid.
Qatar-owned PSG, who thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 to win the Champions League for the first time in May, also signed highly-rated Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier last Saturday, a move that appears to herald the possible departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Italian international ‘keeper has not been included in the squad for Wednesday’s European Super Cup final against Europa League winners Tottenham in Italy.
The absence of the 26-year-old, who was outstanding in PSG’s march to European glory, could ignite interest from the Premier League heavyweights.
Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly both interested.