PSG are expected to target a center-back this summer, and one player catching their eye is Bournemouth standout Illya Zabarnyi. But prying the Ukrainian defender away won’t be easy.
Last year, PSG leaned into a youth-driven approach with signings like Lucas Beraldo and Willian Pacho, and that trend may continue in this window. While the summer market is still a couple of months out, transfer chatter is already gaining momentum.
In May, Sky Sport Switzerland linked PSG with Zabarnyi and Club Brugge’s Joel Ordoñez as possible options. But whether Zabarnyi becomes a serious target may depend on how other areas of the squad shake out.
One variable is the future of Matvey Safonov. If Gianluigi Donnarumma cements himself as the long-term No. 1, Safonov could be headed out—either on loan or a permanent deal.
Freeing up space in the goalkeeper rotation might give PSG more room to maneuver—and potentially make their pitch to Zabarnyi more appealing.
Bournemouth takes stance on PSG, Newcastle target
According to L’Équipe’s Loïc Tanzi, PSG are still in talks with Bournemouth over a deal for Zabarnyi. The defender has already told the club he only wants to join PSG ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, but Bournemouth are demanding a fee of around €70 million.
🚨🥇| PSG are continuing talks with Bournemouth for defender Illia Zabarnyi (22). The player has already informed Bournemouth that he ONLY wants to join PSG in time for the FIFA Club World Cup — but they’re demanding a fee worth around € 70M. @Tanziloic pic.twitter.com/PgnoR3wPyF
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) June 8, 2025
This week, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that PSG have already opened talks with Bournemouth over a potential move for Zabarnyi.
The club have been tracking the Ukrainian defender for years and are now pushing to bring him to Paris. PSG do have backup options, with two other center-backs on their shortlist if Bournemouth decide not to sell.
PSG face a challenge in securing the talented defender, as The iPaper reported that Zabarnyi, a serious target for Newcastle and admired by Manchester City, is believed to have a starting price tag of around £50 million.
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