[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Paris St Germain coach Luis Enrique reacts during the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amanda Perobelli-Reuters via Imagn Images

soccer

Paris Saint-Germain Secure €63m Deal for Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi in a deal worth €63 million, with an additional €3 million potentially payable in performance-related bonuses.

We can confirm that Illia Zabarnyi has completed a permanent transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

Everyone at #afcb would like to extend their thanks to Illia for his dedication and contribution while with the club ❤️ pic.twitter.com/p0ENnS0RpN
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 12, 2025

The 22-year-old Ukraine international, who made 86 appearances for the Cherries across three seasons, becomes the second major summer arrival at the Parc des Princes following the capture of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.

Zabarnyi, voted Bournemouth’s Supporters’ Player of the Season after helping the club to a 12th-place Premier League finish, has agreed a five-year contract with the reigning Champions League holders. Luis Enrique identified the centre-back as a key target early in the transfer window, with negotiations accelerating after the player expressed his desire to join PSG.

Bournemouth were initially reluctant to part ways with their defensive mainstay, but Zabarnyi’s wish to make the switch to France ultimately paved the way for the transfer.

Bournemouth Face Defensive Reshuffle

Zabarnyi’s exit marks Bournemouth’s third major defensive departure of the summer. Earlier in the window, Dean Huijsen sealed a £50 million move to Real Madrid, while Milos Kerkez joined Liverpool in a £40 million deal.

ALSO READ: Tottenham Hotspur Intensifies Pursuit of Eberechi Eze and Savinho to Strengthen Attack

The Cherries are wasting no time in reinforcing their backline. They have reached an agreement with Lille for the signing of Bafodé Diakité in a deal valued at £30.3 million (€35 million), with a further £4.3 million (€5 million) in add-ons. The 23-year-old French defender is expected to fill the void left by Zabarnyi and bring additional versatility to Andoni Iraola’s defensive options.

For PSG, the signing continues their summer recruitment drive aimed at consolidating their domestic dominance and building on last season’s Champions League triumph. With Zabarnyi on board, the Ligue 1 giants have strengthened their defensive depth and added a player known for his composure on the ball, aerial strength, and tactical awareness.

The Ukrainian will now link up with his new teammates ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur, as PSG aim to kick off the new season with another piece of silverware.