Paris Saint-Germain are pushing hard to sign Illya Zabarnyi from Bournemouth this summer, with the Ukrainian defender seen as a priority target ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Despite progress in talks, Bournemouth are refusing to budge from their €70 million valuation, setting up a summer-long negotiation that could turn into a transfer saga.
The 22-year-old is keen on the switch to Ligue 1 and has already held informal discussions with PSG representatives. But with Newcastle United also circling and Bournemouth in no mood to discount their rising star, PSG's latest £55m offer has been rebuffed.
Zabarnyi a Cornerstone of PSG’s Youth-Led Rebuild
The French champions are determined to stay committed to their long-term, youth-oriented vision. Zabarnyi, alongside recent signings Lucas Beraldo and Willian Pacho, fits the profile perfectly—young, composed, and tactically mature beyond his years.
“Zabarnyi has the personality of a 30-year-old centre-back. He’s fearless and consistent.” — PSG Source via L’Équipe
Newcastle Still in the Race
While PSG lead the chase, Newcastle remain in contention. Eddie Howe's side are in the market for a new centre-back to partner Sven Botman and view Zabarnyi as a long-term solution. With Champions League qualification in mind, the Magpies may yet test Bournemouth’s resolve with a rival bid.
Why Bournemouth Are Holding Firm
Bournemouth have made it clear they won’t be bullied into selling on the cheap. The Cherries see Zabarnyi as one of the Premier League’s most promising defenders and view the Club World Cup as a factor that could inflate his value even further.
| Match Stat | Value (2024/25) |
|---|---|
| Appearances for Bournemouth | 42 |
| Goals Conceded While Starting | 37 |
| Clearances Per Game | 5.2 |
| Tackles + Interceptions | 109 |
| Pass Accuracy | 89.3% |
Analyst Verdict
Zabarnyi's ceiling is enormous—and it’s no surprise PSG are pushing this hard. But if Bournemouth hold out for the full €70m, it could open the door for Newcastle or even trigger a long summer stalemate. His composure and aerial dominance make him a perfect fit for either club's ambitions.
Key Insights
- PSG’s £55m bid rejected by Bournemouth
- Zabarnyi eager to join before Club World Cup
- Newcastle remain interested if talks stall
- Bournemouth standing firm at €70m valuation
What’s Next?
PSG will likely return with a third offer in the coming days. Newcastle could yet hijack the deal if negotiations drag. Bournemouth, meanwhile, are bracing for a tug-of-war that could define their summer window.
Should Bournemouth sell now or wait for the Club World Cup to raise Zabarnyi’s value?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *