Report: Bournemouth demand €70m amid strong interest from PSG | OneFootball

Bournemouth Playing Hardball Over Zabarnyi Amid PSG Pressure

Cherries Stand Firm on €70m Valuation

In a summer of high-profile moves and aggressive recruitment from Europe’s elite, Bournemouth have made it clear they won’t be pushed around. As reported by Miguel Delaney of The Independent, the south coast club are standing their ground amid persistent efforts from Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain to lure away their standout defender, Illia Zabarnyi.

The 22-year-old Ukrainian centre-back has become a key figure in Bournemouth’s defence and remains high on PSG’s wishlist. Despite weeks of negotiations, the Ligue 1 giants have failed to meet Bournemouth’s €70m (£59m) valuation, with offers reportedly peaking at €60m.

PSG’s Defensive Woes Strengthen Bournemouth’s Position

It’s no surprise Zabarnyi is being courted by the continent’s biggest clubs. With Willian Pacho now sidelined through injury, PSG’s need for defensive cover is increasingly urgent. Their vulnerability was brutally exposed in a recent 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, who continually exploited the left side of their back line.

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This has only boosted Bournemouth’s bargaining power. Delaney notes, “Zabarnyi had long been a main target for PSG but the need has only increased, strengthening Bournemouth’s hand.”

In short, timing favours the Cherries — and they know it.

Profitable Summer Reshuffle for Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s resolve is further underpinned by their recent financial gains. The club has already pocketed major fees this summer, selling Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid after his £50m release clause was triggered — just a year after signing him from Juventus for a modest £12.6m.

Additionally, Milos Kerkez has made a switch to Liverpool for £40m, reuniting with sporting director Richard Hughes who first signed him for Bournemouth in 2023. As Delaney outlines, “The sale of Zabarnyi could take their incomings to around £150m.” That’s serious business for a club that just two years ago was battling relegation fears.

Bournemouth Building with Ambition

Far from a fire sale, Bournemouth’s transfer activity reflects a clear strategy: reinvest smartly and remain competitive. With the funds raised, they’re now in a strong position to bolster their squad further, ensuring they don’t merely survive in the Premier League — they aim to thrive.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Illia Zabarnyi has been superb since arriving, and while we understand the appeal of joining a Champions League-winning club like PSG, the valuation being quoted — €70m — feels absolutely fair in today’s market.

He’s 22, already has international experience with Ukraine, and has consistently delivered in the Premier League. If PSG are serious, they should pay the asking price. Otherwise, we’re right to hold firm.

Selling Huijsen and Kerkez for a combined £90m has already put the club in a strong financial position. Seeing us not just cash in, but also prepare to reinvest, shows ambition and maturity. Under the current ownership and with Andoni Iraola at the helm, the project feels sustainable. We’re not just a selling club anymore — we’re a club doing business on our own terms.

There’s always a fear that too many key players leaving could destabilise the squad, but the recruitment so far suggests we’re planning ahead. If Zabarnyi does leave, hopefully the money is used to bring in another future star. But if he stays, even better — it signals that Bournemouth are no longer easy pickings.