Arjun Menon
Liverpool are targeting Illia Zabarnyi as a defensive reinforcement for the 2026/27 season, with the 23-year-old Ukrainian international currently at Paris Saint-Germain. The Reds have flagged their interest but are unwilling to pursue a deal unless concrete signs of availability emerge.
Per Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool will “only make a move if they receive clear indications of a genuine opportunity.” Protracted, unproductive talks are not something the club intends to entertain, making their conditions for engagement straightforward.
Zabarnyi’s Difficult Debut Season at PSG
Zabarnyi joined Paris Saint-Germain from Bournemouth last summer in a deal worth €63 million, arriving off the back of a strong 2024/25 Premier League campaign. Despite the significant fee, he struggled to lock down a starting berth in his debut season. He accumulated just 2,780 minutes across 37 appearances, with only two UEFA Champions League starts to his name. That limited output has reportedly generated discontent, raising the prospect of a summer departure from the Ligue 1 champions.
Why Liverpool Need Him
Liverpool had reportedly tracked Zabarnyi before PSG secured his signature last year. The need for defensive depth at Anfield has only grown since. Virgil van Dijk is in the later stage of his career, Joe Gomez has dealt with recurring fitness problems, and Ibrahima Konate has completed a Bosman transfer to Real Madrid, leaving a direct vacancy in the backline.
Zabarnyi’s profile fits the requirement. At 23, he can serve as van Dijk’s long-term replacement while pairing alongside him in the short term. Alongside Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, he could anchor Liverpool’s central defence for years ahead.
His prior Premier League experience with Bournemouth reduces the adjustment curve that typically comes with a move to Anfield. The familiarity with English football’s pace and physicality is a practical advantage the club values.
“Fruitless negotiations” are not on Liverpool’s agenda, with the club insisting on genuine opportunity before committing to a formal approach.
Whether PSG are prepared to move Zabarnyi on after just one season remains uncertain. Liverpool’s wait-and-see stance means a summer deal is possible but far from guaranteed. Stay with TipsGG for the latest updates as this transfer situation develops.
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