PSG have signed Ukrainian international Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth for nearly €70m, making him the first Ukrainian in the club’s history. The 22-year-old centre-back joins a star-studded squad after impressing in the Premier League and is seen as a key long-term addition to the European champions’ defence.
Paris Saint-Germain have made another significant statement in the transfer market by confirming the arrival of Illia Zabarnyi, a 22-year-old Ukrainian international centre-back who has rapidly built a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders.
The deal, reportedly worth close to €70 million, not only reinforces PSG’s defensive ranks but also makes history, as Zabarnyi becomes the first Ukrainian player ever to wear the club’s famous colours. His signing underlines the Parisians’ commitment to blending youth with experience as they continue their quest for dominance both in France and on the European stage.
Zabarnyi joins a star-studded squad that already boasts some of the biggest names in world football, including Portuguese internationals Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha, and Gonçalo Ramos. The move to Paris represents a major step forward in his career, providing him with the opportunity to compete in the Champions League with a side that has recently reached the pinnacle of European football, having been crowned continental champions in the 2023/24 season. For PSG, the acquisition strengthens a defensive unit that has been steadily reshaped over recent seasons to balance tactical solidity with ball-playing ability from the back.
The young defender arrives from Premier League side Bournemouth, where he established himself as an undisputed starter despite his age. Signed from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023 for around €23 million, Zabarnyi wasted no time adapting to the physicality and speed of English football. Over the course of the 2024/25 campaign, he made 39 appearances in all competitions, delivering consistently assured performances and contributing one assist. His positional awareness, composure under pressure, and ability to read the game were key factors in Bournemouth’s solid ninth-place finish a remarkable achievement for a club of their size in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Born in Kyiv, Zabarnyi rose through the ranks of Dynamo Kyiv’s famed youth academy, known for producing some of Ukraine’s finest talents. He made his professional debut at just 18 years old and quickly earned a place in the starting XI. His maturity on the pitch and leadership qualities caught the attention of both domestic and international scouts, while his performances for the Ukrainian national team particularly at UEFA Euro 2020 cemented his reputation as one of the brightest young centre-backs in European football.
The move to Paris not only gives Zabarnyi a platform to test himself at the very highest level but also carries symbolic weight. As the first Ukrainian to represent PSG, he brings a new chapter to the club’s multicultural history. His arrival comes at a time when Ukrainian players are increasingly making their mark in Europe’s top leagues, often serving as ambassadors for their country during a challenging period back home. For many Ukrainian fans, his success in the French capital will be a source of pride and inspiration.
For PSG head coach Luis Enrique, Zabarnyi’s signing offers tactical flexibility. At 1.89 metres tall, he combines physical presence with excellent mobility, making him equally effective in a traditional back four or as part of a three-man defence. His comfort on the ball and willingness to step into midfield align perfectly with PSG’s possession-oriented approach, while his aerial ability adds another dimension to set-piece situations. Given the demanding schedule of competing on multiple fronts Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League depth and versatility in defence will be invaluable.
The transfer also reflects PSG’s broader recruitment strategy under sporting director Luís Campos, who has focused on bringing in younger players with high potential rather than relying solely on established superstars. Zabarnyi fits this profile perfectly: young, talented, experienced at both club and international level, and with his best years still ahead of him. While €70 million is a substantial outlay, the club sees him as a long-term investment capable of anchoring their defence for years to come.
As Zabarnyi settles into life in Paris, expectations will be high. The Parc des Princes faithful are known for demanding both results and style, and the Ukrainian will be expected to adapt quickly to the rhythm of Ligue 1 while also delivering in high-pressure Champions League nights. His debut will be eagerly anticipated, and with PSG’s domestic campaign set to begin soon, it may not be long before he steps out onto the pitch in front of the Parisian crowd.
