The Parisian club “PSG” plans a major squad overhaul: Ukrainian defender Zabarniy is at the center of transfer tensions
The Parisian football giant "PSG" is preparing for changes in its lineup – specifically, the team is actively working on signing Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarniy from English club "Bournemouth". According to the sports portal Goal, the decision to part ways with Russian goalkeeper Matviy Safonov is part of a broader plan by the team’s management. The main idea is to offload the backup goalkeeper, which simultaneously opens the door for bringing in a young and promising Ukrainian player who is currently being considered as part of a strategic defense line renewal. Sources suggest that negotiations between "PSG" and "Bournemouth" are in an active stage, and although the transfer fee has yet to be finalized, representatives of both clubs are working to find an optimal compromise that satisfies both sides. Illia Zabarniy has already agreed to the terms of a personal contract, so the signing process is only a matter of time. The transfer is expected to cost PSG approximately 70 million euros, representing a significant investment for the French club, which aims to strengthen its defensive line ahead of important European competitions. The next step in the transfer scheme is set to replace Russian Safonov with 18-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper Renato Marina from "Roma". The goalkeeper, who is currently a free agent, will become one of the key newcomers, providing competition and added strength to the goalkeeping position. This move will also help PSG reduce political risks, as playing alongside a Russian national team member during the ongoing war in Ukraine is unacceptable to many fans and club officials. Regarding Zabarniy, the Ukrainian defender has long earned a reputation as one of the most talented young players, having transferred from Kyiv's "Dynamo" to the English Premier League system in January 2023. In this short period, he has become an indispensable figure for "Bournemouth," having played 39 matches in all competitions last season and provided one assist. Only bureaucratic or transfer-related complexities could hinder these plans, but current trends indicate that the transfer of the Ukrainian to "PSG" is already in its final stages. This would be a significant step for the French club, as given their high ambitions in the Champions League and the domestic championship, they need a strong and predictable defensive line. Overall, this transfer saga exemplifies how political and ethical factors are actively influencing world football today. For "PSG," it means not only strengthening team positions but also demonstrating their political stance, which is especially relevant amid global instability. It is expected that the transfer will be officially announced in the coming days, and the Ukrainian defender will gain a new audience and new opportunities for growth and career development. Against the backdrop of these developments, earlier bookmakers predicted a possible scenario for "PSG's" performance in a future match against a team led by Messi at the 2025 World Cup. It’s worth noting that changes in squad strategies are actively discussed in the football market and media, further heightening interest in events within the French championship and European football community overall.