Premier League
The Liverpool's transfer market is buzzing, as the English team has put Illia Zabarnyi on their list of options to strengthen the center of defense this summer. The Ukrainian international belongs to Paris Saint-Germain, but his name is gaining strength at Anfield for an important reason: Richard Hughes and Andoni Iraola know his performance and adaptation to the Premier League after coinciding with him at Bournemouth. There is no advanced negotiation yet, although everything could change if the French club agrees to consider his departure.
Liverpool relies on the previous knowledge of Iraola and Richard Hughes
The potential operation arises from direct knowledge. Hughes was involved in the sports planning of Bournemouth when the English team signed the center-back from Dynamo Kiev. Iraola, on the other hand, turned the defender into a key piece. Under his guidance, Illia Zabarnyi stood out for his speed in recovery, strength in duels, and ability to defend large areas behind. Those qualities fit with the intense style of football the coach aims to implement now in the transfer policy of Liverpool.
The center-back also offers an advantage that the club values greatly: he is familiar with the English competition. He wouldn't need an extensive process to understand the physical pace, environmental pressure, and weekly demands of the Premier League. His previous experience reduces the risk of a high investment. Additionally, he still has significant room for growth. The Ukrainian is under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2030 after arriving in Paris in 2025 for around 63 million euros, so any move would require significant negotiation.
Paris Saint-Germain will have the final say on Illia Zabarnyi
The main difficulty lies in the position of the French champion. Paris Saint-Germain made a significant investment to bring in the defender and has no need to sell. His long contract and age make him a player for the present and future. For this reason, Liverpool will only progress if they receive clear signals that a real opportunity exists. The English leaders don't aim to start an impossible bidding war or engage in fruitless discussions.
The player's sporting situation will be crucial. If the center-back feels he will have less prominence than expected, he might consider returning to England to reunite with a coach who already trusted him fully. Iraola knows how to enhance his strengths and also understands what areas he needs to improve. That previous relationship could become a decisive argument, although first, Paris Saint-Germain will have to open the door and set reasonable conditions.
An addition intended to raise the competition at Anfield
The goal wouldn't be just to add another defender but to bring in a player ready to compete from day one. Illia Zabarnyi brings power, aggression, and international experience. He also has the potential to become a defensive leader for years to come. His arrival would increase options and build a defensive line suited to a more daring, advanced, and physically demanding style of play.
However, the operation is still in an early stage. The interest is there, and the previous contacts between the parties facilitate the analysis, but the most crucial step is still pending: knowing the willingness of the Parisian club. The Liverpool transfer market is taking shape and other avenues remain open. If a concrete opportunity arises, Iraola and Hughes will have sufficient reasons to push for a signing they know firsthand. Everything will depend on the price, the role offered to the player, and the willingness of Paris Saint-Germain, while Liverpool waits for the right moment to act.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Liverpool encuentra en el PSG a su próximo objetivo
