Paris Saint-Germain signs Bournemouth defender until 2030

French club Paris Saint-Germain announced on Tuesday the signing of Ukrainian defender Ilya Zabarnyy from English club Bournemouth on a five-year contract, making him the first Ukrainian player in the club's history. Zabarnyy will wear the number 6 shirt this season. Born on September 1, 2002 in Kyiv, Zabarnyy began his football career at Dynamo Kyiv's academy, progressing through the youth ranks until making his first-team debut in September 2020 against Desna Chernihiv in the Ukrainian Premier League. Just days later, the young defender participated in the Champions League qualifiers, before facing strong opponents such as Juventus and Barcelona in the group stage. Known for his physical strength and defensive solidity, especially in the air, Zabarnyi scored his first professional goal in April 2021. On the continental level, he made 12 appearances in the Champions League and 9 in the Europa League, contributing to Dynamo Kyiv winning a domestic treble: the league, the cup, and the Super Cup. In January 2023, Zabarnyi moved to Premier League club Bournemouth, where he quickly established himself, making 37 appearances during the 2023-24 season. His outstanding performances earned him the club's Player of the Season award and helped Bournemouth achieve their best-ever Premier League finish (9th) with a record-breaking points tally. At international level, Zabarnyi made his Ukraine debut in October 2020 against France, at the age of 18, becoming the second-youngest player ever to represent the national team.