Ilya Zabarnyi, the 22-year-old central defender from Bournemouth (contract runs until 2028) and Ukraine, has been announced as one of Paris Saint-Germain’s defensive priorities for the mercato. According to RMC Sport (Fabrice Hawkins), negotiations are stalling: Bournemouth are asking for €75 million, while Paris’ first offer is under €50 million. At this stage, the Ukrainian’s arrival in Paris before the Club World Cup seems highly unlikely.
“PSG are still negotiating for Ukrainian central defender Illia Zabarnyi. The case is complicated because Bournemouth doesn’t want to sell its player and is asking for 75 million euros.
There is room for negotiation, but the positions are too far apart at the moment.
The first Parisian offer revealed by RMC Sport is below the €50 million mark.
This evening, the chances of the Ukrainian joining Paris Saint-Germain for the Club World Cup are virtually nil. Negotiations will continue and could be concluded this summer.
Like Bournemouth, PSG are in no hurry.”
The Illia Zabarnyi case highlights Paris Saint-Germain’s strategy of patience. Bournemouth are adamant they want €75 million for their 22-year-old central defender, while Paris’s first offer remains under €50 million. Paris refuses to overpay, preferring to wait for the situation to evolve.
With the transfer market still long, PSG are keeping their options open, even if Zabarnyi’s arrival before the Club World Cup seems highly unlikely at this stage. PSG, buoyed by its Champions League victory, is in no hurry and has no need to get carried away. The mercato is a long one.
