Zabarnyi set for PSG move in £57m deal

Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi is undergoing medical tests ahead of his potential £57.1 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. The Ukrainian center-back has already agreed to personal terms on a five-year contract with the French champions.

While both clubs are finalizing the transfer details, the deal is expected to be structured as £54.5 million upfront with an additional £2.6 million in performance-based add-ons for the 22-year-old.

Bournemouth's Defensive Exodus

Zabarnyi's potential departure marks the third major defensive sale for Bournemouth this transfer window:

• Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid for £50 million
• Milos Kerkez to Liverpool for £40 million

Despite needing to rebuild their defense, Bournemouth stands to make significant profits on all three players:

• Zabarnyi: Purchased for £24m from Dynamo Kyiv in 2023
• Huijsen: Acquired for £12.6m from Juventus last summer
• Kerkez: Bought for £15.5m from AZ Alkmaar

Reinforcements Arriving

Bournemouth has already secured Zabarnyi's replacement, finalizing a deal for Lille's Bafode Diakite. The transfer is valued at £30 million initially, potentially rising to £34 million with add-ons.

Club Perspective on Transfers

Club sources reveal that while Bournemouth anticipated at least one defensive departure, losing three key defenders has been surprising. However, the substantial offers from elite European clubs made these deals difficult to refuse.

The prolonged negotiations with PSG demonstrate Bournemouth's commitment to securing favorable terms, while acknowledging each player's desire to advance their careers.

Notably, Huijsen's £50 million release clause - triggered just six months after his £12.8 million signing - exceeded all expectations, with Real Madrid beating competition from Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea.

Additional Squad Changes

Bournemouth's summer rebuild includes:

• Adrien Truffert (£14.4m) replacing Kerkez
• Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic coming in for Kepa Arrizabalaga
• February signing of teenage forward Eli Junior Kroupi

Manager Andoni Iraola is also seeking a striker to provide competition for Evanilson, especially with Enes Unal still recovering from last season's serious knee injury.