Ilya Zabarnyi turned down a move to PSG due to the presence of a Russian goalkeeper on the team.

The impressive performance of Ukrainian national team defender Illia Zabarnyi for Bournemouth has caught the attention of many top clubs across Europe and the world. Among the potential buyers, media outlets have mentioned Real Madrid, English clubs Tottenham and Chelsea, as well as French side PSG.

The head coach of the Parisians, Luis Enrique, is personally interested in the Ukrainian's services, as he aims to strengthen the defensive line with another center-back. However, as reported by Loïc Tanzy in the podcast 100% PSG, LA TRIBUNE, Illia Zabarnyi declined a move to Paris due to the presence of Russian player Matviy Safonov in the French squad.

“Zabarnyi is a great player, but he is Ukrainian. There is a Russian in the squad. He said: ‘If Safonov is in the squad, I cannot come.’ The central defender and goalkeeper are two positions that are extremely interconnected on the field. Zabarnyi understands that this would create a significant problem for the team,” the journalist noted.

Despite this, PSG does not plan to alter its strategy. The club is discussing the possibility of selling the Russian player to bring in Zabarnyi (Safonov has only played 8 matches for the main team in the last six months).

It is worth noting that Zabarnyi is a product of Kyiv's Dynamo. He joined Bournemouth in January 2023 for €22.7 million. In the current season, he has played 20 matches for the English side without scoring. His contract with the Cherries is valid until June 30, 2029. Transfermarkt values him at €38 million.

After 20 rounds, Bournemouth is positioned seventh in the Premier League table, having accumulated 33 points.