Reigning Ligue 1 and European champions Paris Saint-Germain have bolstered their backline with the signing of Ukrainian center back Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth.
Paris Saint-Germain forked out a huge €67 million fee to lure Zabarnyi away from the Vitality Stadium with the Ukraine international putting pen to paper on a five-year contract to become Les Parisiens’ second signing of the summer.
“I am very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain, the best club in the world, with the best project,” Zabarnyi said at his unveiling. “I am here to give everything I have on the pitch and I am looking forward to making my debut and discovering the supporters.
“PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi added: “We are delighted to continue strengthening our collective with the signing of Illia Zabarnyi. Illia is a talented international player and a great professional—he will make a major contribution to everything we are building over the long term at Paris Saint-Germain.”
Following their Club World Cup disappointment, Paris Saint-Germain have focused on reinforcing their backline this summer.
Between the sticks, Lucas Chevalier has joined from Lille and is set to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been sidelined due to stalled negotiations over his expiring contract.
At center back, Zabarnyi adds to an already formidable group featuring the likes of Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Lucas Beraldo and Presnel Kimpembe.
Meanwhile, Zabarnyi has become the third out of Bournemouth’s four starting defenders from last season to part ways with The Cherries. Dean Huijsen secured a move to Spanish and European juggernauts Real Madrid for €58 million before left back Milos Kerkez completed a move of his own to Liverpool for €46 million.
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