Liverpool enter talks for PSG defender Zabarnyi

Liverpool have reportedly held initial talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential £35m transfer for Ukrainian centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes. The 23-year-old defender has impressed during his time at Bournemouth before moving to PSG, and now appears to be on Liverpool’s radar as they look to strengthen their defensive options under Arne Slot.

From Bournemouth to PSG — Zabarnyi’s rapid rise

Zabarnyi joined AFC Bournemouth from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023 for a fee believed to be around £20m. He quickly established himself as a key figure in the Cherries’ backline under manager Andoni Iraola, making 29 Premier League appearances in the 2023-24 season. His performances — characterised by strong aerial duels, composed ball-playing, and positional intelligence — earned him a move to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2025 for a reported £40m. At PSG, Zabarnyi has continued to develop, featuring prominently in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

Now, Liverpool are reportedly seeking to bring the Ukrainian international to Anfield. The reported £35m fee would represent a slight loss for PSG, but could reflect the player’s desire for regular first-team football amidst intense competition in Paris. For Liverpool, the potential signing addresses a need for a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk, who turned 34 in July 2025.

Tactical fit — how Zabarnyi suits Slot’s system

Arne Slot’s Liverpool side favour a high defensive line and aggressive pressing, requiring centre-backs with recovery pace and comfort in one-on-one situations. Zabarnyi fits this profile well: his speed across the ground and ability to read the game make him effective in covering space behind the backline. Additionally, his left-footedness adds balance to the defence, allowing Slot to deploy a left-footer on the left side — a preference many top coaches share.

Statistically, Zabarnyi ranked in the top 15% among Ligue 1 centre-backs for successful pressures per 90 (6.2) and interceptions (1.8) in the 2025-26 season, according to Opta. His passing accuracy of 88% also aligns with Liverpool’s build-up requirements. While he is not the most physically imposing defender (6ft 0in), his reading of the game compensates.

Transfer market context and competition

The £35m fee is modest by modern Premier League standards for a top-level centre-back. For comparison, Manchester United paid £55m for Lisandro Martínez in 2022, and Arsenal spent £45m on Gabriel Magalhães in 2020. Zabarnyi’s age (23) and resale value make the deal attractive from a financial perspective.

Liverpool face competition from several European clubs. Bayern Munich and Juventus have both been linked with Zabarnyi in recent months, but Liverpool’s early approach could give them an advantage. The player’s previous experience in English football with Bournemouth also makes a return to the Premier League appealing.

What this means for Liverpool’s defence

If the transfer materialises, Zabarnyi would likely slot into the starting XI alongside Van Dijk, pushing Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez to rotational roles. The signing would provide cover for injuries — both Van Dijk and Konaté have missed time in recent seasons — and inject youthful longevity into the backline. For fantasy Premier League managers, Zabarnyi’s price would likely be around £5.5m, similar to other premium defenders, and Liverpool’s strong defensive record (15 clean sheets in 2024-25) makes him an attractive option. However, prospective owners should monitor game time until the defender settles.

Next steps — what to watch

No official bid has been submitted yet, and negotiations are at an early stage. Liverpool’s summer transfer budget, boosted by potential sales of fringe players, will determine their ability to meet PSG’s valuation. With the January window approaching, Zabarnyi’s future could become a key storyline. Expect further developments as talks progress, with the player’s preference likely to be a decisive factor.

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