Private Blog Network – Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi in a deal worth £57 million (€66 million). The 22-year-old Ukraine international has signed a five-year contract with the French champions after completing a medical earlier this week.
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The transfer includes an initial payment of £54.5 million, with an additional £2.6 million in performance-related add-ons. Zabarnyi, who called PSG “the best club in the world, with the best project,” leaves the Premier League after a standout spell on the south coast.
Since joining Bournemouth from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023 for a reported £24 million, Zabarnyi made 86 appearances and became a key figure in defence. He was named the club’s Supporters’ Player of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign.
This marks Bournemouth’s third high-profile defensive sale of the summer. Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid for £50 million, while Liverpool paid £40 million for left-back Milos Kerkez. The sales have brought in more than £147 million combined, significantly boosting the club’s finances.
Sources close to the club say they expected at least one defender to depart this summer but were surprised to lose all three. Despite the unexpected exits, the fees were considered too substantial to reject, especially from clubs with global stature. Zabarnyi’s move sets a new benchmark for player development and value at Bournemouth. His rapid rise and consistent form made him a target for top European clubs, and PSG acted quickly to secure the deal.
Bournemouth Begin Rebuild with Diakite and Truffert Signings
In response to the defensive overhaul, Bournemouth have moved swiftly to reshape their backline. The club agreed a deal to sign Lille defender Bafodé Diakité over the weekend for an initial £30 million, which could rise to £34 million with add-ons.
Diakité is expected to fill one of the central defensive roles left vacant by Zabarnyi and Huijsen. In addition, French left-back Adrien Truffert has joined for £14.4 million to replace Milos Kerkez. The recruitment strategy reflects a clear plan to invest in youth while maintaining competitiveness in the Premier League.
Manager Andoni Iraola is also targeting another centre-back to complete his defensive rebuild. The club’s transfer activity shows a willingness to reinvest significant funds from recent sales, prioritising squad balance and long-term planning.
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Elsewhere, Bournemouth addressed their goalkeeping situation after Kepa Arrizabalaga chose Arsenal over the Cherries. Djordje Petrovic has been brought in as the new first-choice goalkeeper.
In attack, teenage talent Eli Junior Kroupi was signed in February, and Iraola now seeks a striker to support Evanilson. With Enes Unal still recovering from a serious knee injury, depth up front remains a concern ahead of the new season. Bournemouth’s proactive approach in the market underlines their intent to remain competitive. Despite losing key players, the club is building a younger, ambitious squad capable of challenging in the Premier League.