Tottenham are moving fast to sign Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, with a bid in excess of £60million now on the table, sources have told Football Insider.
The Ukrainian international has been a priority for Thomas Frank all summer, and Spurs are now frontrunners ahead of PSG — who had previously made contact but never formalised an offer.
Bournemouth remain reluctant to sell, especially after already losing Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez to Liverpool. However, insiders say that a £60m+ fee could prove too good to refuse — and Zabarnyi is open to the move.
Why Tottenham Want Illia Zabarnyi
The 22-year-old was a standout for Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth last season, starting 35 of 38 league games and anchoring the club’s best-ever Premier League finish (9th place, 56 points).
Frank is pushing for a younger, more physically commanding backline — and Zabarnyi’s aerial presence, 1v1 defending, and confidence in build-up play have made him a top target.
At just 22, he fits Tottenham’s recruitment model perfectly: high-ceiling players who can develop into elite Premier League assets. If signed, Zabarnyi could partner Micky van de Ven in a new-look centre-back pairing built for speed and aggression.
Zabarnyi’s 2024/25 Stats (Premier League)
| Stat | Illia Zabarnyi |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 35 |
| Tackles per 90 | 2.3 |
| Clearances per 90 | 4.1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 88.5% |
| Duels Won | 66% |
Analyst View: Statement Signing
Zabarnyi wouldn’t just add depth — he could walk into Tottenham’s starting XI. His positioning and distribution mark him out as one of the most polished U23 defenders in Europe. Spurs know the price is high, but they also know that reliable, young centre-backs don’t come cheap — especially ones already proven in the Premier League.
If Bournemouth accept the deal, it would be one of the biggest outgoing transfers in their history.
Key Takeaways
- Tottenham have tabled a £60m+ bid for Illia Zabarnyi
- Bournemouth reluctant, but open to sale at that price
- Spurs beat out PSG to become current frontrunners
- Zabarnyi started 35 games in Bournemouth’s record season
- A huge potential long-term signing for Thomas Frank
Fan Questions Answered
Why would Spurs spend over £60m on Zabarnyi?
Because he’s 22, already a Premier League starter, and has the kind of profile that rarely becomes available — strong defensively, confident on the ball, and still developing. In today’s market, that kind of upside costs money.
Do Bournemouth have a backup plan if he leaves?
Not yet. After losing Kerkez and Huijsen, they’re reluctant to let another core player go — but £60m+ may force their hand. There’s no clear replacement lined up at this stage.
Could PSG still swoop in?
It’s unlikely. They’ve cooled their interest and never made a formal offer. Unless Spurs hesitate, the path is clear.
Would Zabarnyi start for Tottenham?
Almost certainly. Frank wants a younger, more aggressive back line, and Zabarnyi fits the profile to partner Van de Ven or Romero straight away.
What’s Next?
Tottenham are expected to push for a full agreement this week. Bournemouth haven’t accepted the £60m+ bid yet, but the gap is narrowing. With the player open to the move and Spurs accelerating talks, a deal could be wrapped up before August.
Would this be a good sign for Tottenham? Would he even start?
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