Ilya Zabarnyi, the 23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and Ukraine defender, failed to fully convince during his debut season following his 2025 arrival from Bournemouth. His playing time remains limited early in the current campaign, and the prospect of a departure is gradually gaining traction. This Thursday, PSG Inside Actus reported that a winter transfer is being considered and a specific target has been identified to replace him: Marc Pubill (the 23-year-old Atlético Madrid and Spain defender).
“The Ukrainian defender is still struggling to fully prove his worth, and his sporting situation could prompt the Paris management to consider parting ways as early as January 2027. Several sources are already discussing this possibility should Zabarnyi fail to turn things around in the coming weeks.
Among the profiles that might interest Paris, Marc Pubill could well come back into the conversation. At this stage, however, it is merely a lead to watch, rather than a confirmed agreement or negotiation between PSG and the player.”
As always with rumors, a degree of caution is advised. Nothing is certain; the outlet even notes that the Pubill matter is far from advanced. Yet, the possibility could exist, as he is an interesting player who might well carve out a role at PSG. That said, Zabarnyi has not left yet.
It is too early to judge his season, given the very light schedule so far. Matches will now come thick and fast, which should provide him with opportunities. Hopefully, the Ukrainian will seize them to demonstrate that his adaptation is progressing and that PSG made the right call in signing him.
Things can move very quickly in football; nothing is set in stone at the moment. Zabarnyi might send very encouraging signals in the coming weeks, which would rule out the idea of a transfer. However, it is safe to assume that PSG is preparing just in case.
