Paris Saint-Germain kicked off its transfer window with a bold, decisive move. The club has sealed the signing of 22-year-old Ukrainian center-back Ilya Zabarnyi for €62 million. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the defender will join the French side on a five-year deal after impressing at Bournemouth in England and with the Ukrainian national team.
First signing in a market that could get busy
This is PSG’s first signing of the season, and it may just be the start of significant changes. The board is also eyeing goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille, showing that the current priority is to strengthen the defensive unit. Opening the window with a center-back signals a clear intent to shore up the foundation of the squad before looking at attacking reinforcements, something Paris hasn’t always prioritized in the past.
Zabarnyi will compete for a spot with two well-established starters. Marquinhos, the club captain, remains a technical leader and key figure in the locker room. Alongside him, Ecuadorian defender Pacho enjoyed a strong season and quickly became a reliable option. For the Ukrainian, earning minutes will mean proving his quality and consistency, and that internal competition could push PSG’s backline to a higher standard.
Betting on youth and potential
Spending big on such a young player shows PSG’s confidence in Zabarnyi’s growth potential. Having Premier League and international experience at just 22 is a major advantage. He arrives ready to handle top-level opponents, but he’ll still face the challenge of adapting to Ligue 1’s style and the expectations of a club that enters almost every competition as the favorite.
Beyond giving the coach another dependable option, the signing adds tactical flexibility. With three high-caliber defenders, the manager can switch between a back four and a three-man defense without sacrificing quality. In a crowded schedule and with ambitions in the Champions League, that versatility could prove crucial.