Paris Saint-Germain has signed Ukrainian centre-back Illya Zabarnyi from Bournemouth on a five-year contract, becoming the club’s first Ukrainian player in history.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has officially signed 22-year-old Ukrainian defender Illya Zabarnyi from Bournemouth on a five-year deal. The transfer fee is reportedly around €63 million, marking a significant investment in the club’s defensive lineup. 

Zabarnyi’s impressive performances for Bournemouth last season, where he made 36 appearances and helped the team achieve a positive goal difference in the Premier League, caught the attention of top European clubs.

Zabarnyi’s departure from Bournemouth continues the club’s trend of selling top defenders this summer. Dean Huijsen has already joined Real Madrid, while Milos Kerkez signed with Liverpool. Bournemouth’s defensive lineup has been significantly reshaped, with the club earning around €172 million from these sales.

The Ukrainian international expressed his excitement about joining PSG, stating, “I’m very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain, the best club in the world, with the best project. I am here to give everything I have on the pitch and I’m looking forward to making my debut and meeting the fans.” Zabarnyi’s aggressive defending style and dominance in aerial duels make him a valuable addition to PSG’s squad.

PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi welcomed Zabarnyi to the team, saying, “We’re delighted to continue the strengthening of our squad with the signature of Illia Zabarnyi. Illia is a talented international player and a great professional. He will make a major contribution to everything that we are building long-term at Paris Saint-Germain.”

Zabarnyi will compete for a starting spot with veteran captain Marquinhos and Willian Pacho. Although he won’t be part of the squad for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur, he could feature in PSG’s Ligue 1 title defence against Nantes on Sunday.