Alex MacQuoid
Paris Saint-Germain have officially confirmed the signing of Ukrainian centre-back Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth in a deal worth €63 million plus bonuses. The 22-year-old has penned a contract running until 2030, as first reported by transfer insider Nicolò Schira, with French outlet L’Équipe adding that he will earn €4.5 million net in his first season.
The deal also benefits his former club Dynamo Kyiv, who secured a 20% sell-on clause from his 2023 move to Bournemouth. Zabarnyi joined the Cherries for €22.7 million back then, and his latest valuation on Transfermarkt stands at €42 million. Last season, he featured in 39 matches for Bournemouth, registering one assist.
PSG’s Official Reveal
The announcement dropped on August 12, with a launch video showing Zabarnyi declaring the club’s famous slogan: “Ici c’est Paris.” Prior to the reveal, PSG teased fans with a puzzle graphic hinting at the transfer — including his name hidden among Parisian summer references.
First Words as a PSG Player
Speaking to the club’s press service, Zabarnyi said:
“I am 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 field, and I look forward to my debut and meeting the fans.”
On social media, he also bid farewell to Bournemouth, thanking management, staff, supporters, and teammates for “a journey that changed him.”
President’s Reaction
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi praised the acquisition:
“We are delighted to continue strengthening our squad with the signing of Illia Zabarnyi. Illia is a talented player who plays for his national team and is a great professional. He will make a significant contribution to everything we are building for the long term at Paris Saint-Germain.”
Transfer Structure and Bonuses
- Base fee: €63m
- Performance bonuses: €3m
- Additional €1.5m if PSG win the Champions League
- Additional €1.5m if they win Ligue 1
Zabarnyi will wear the #6 shirt. According to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, he won’t feature in the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham but will join the squad for training in Udine, Italy. His first session is scheduled for 7:00 PM local time today.
Notably, Bournemouth were impressed with his professionalism, as he completed full pre-season under coach Iraola without agitating for a transfer. In response, the club moved swiftly to replace him, securing Lille defender Bafodé Diakité for €35m plus €5m in bonuses.
Social Media Buzz
The transfer immediately lit up social media — PSG star Ousmane Dembélé, a Ballon d’Or contender, followed Zabarnyi on Instagram, with the Ukrainian returning the gesture.
Historic Transfer Context
At €63m, Zabarnyi’s move becomes the second-most expensive transfer in Ukrainian football history, behind only Mykhailo Mudryk’s €70m switch from Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea in January 2023.
Top 5 Most Expensive Ukrainian Transfers
- Mykhailo Mudryk – €70m – Chelsea
- Illia Zabarnyi – €63m – PSG
- Andriy Shevchenko – €43.88m – Chelsea
- Oleksandr Zinchenko – €35m – Arsenal
- Artem Dovbyk – €30.5m – Roma
Where Zabarnyi Ranks in PSG’s Spending History
PSG’s all-time record remains Neymar’s €222m arrival from Barcelona in 2017. Zabarnyi’s €63m fee puts him ninth on their all-time incoming list and second-most expensive defender after Achraf Hakimi (€68m from Inter Milan in 2021).
Top 5 Most Expensive PSG Signings
- Neymar – €222m – Barcelona
- Kylian Mbappé – €180m – Monaco
- Randal Kolo Muani – €95m – Eintracht Frankfurt
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – €70m – Napoli
- Achraf Hakimi – €68m – Inter Milan
Final Word
From Kyiv to Bournemouth to Paris, Illia Zabarnyi’s rise has been rapid and calculated. For PSG, this is more than just a defensive reinforcement — it’s an investment in a player whose best years are still ahead. For Zabarnyi, it’s the chance to test himself at the highest level in the Champions League and to etch his name alongside some of football’s most expensive defenders.