Tottenham Hotspur have built a very competitive squad this summer having revamped their midfield and defence. Roberto De Zerbi is now looking for attackers, but that’s not to say a defensive overhaul might be complete.
According to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites are looking to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Ilia Zabarnyi, who may leave the French side just a year after joining from Bournemouth after he failed to nail down a regular spot in Luis Enrique’s team.
Zabarnyi was one of the Cherries’ standout players in 2024/25 before sealing a £57 million switch to PSG but having now been linked with a return back to the Premier League, it will be interesting to see how much he will cost.
On Transfermarkt, the Ukrainian centre back is valued at £34 million but it is fair to think the Ligue 1 outfit will look to recoup as much of its investment as possible from 12 months ago, although they may not stand in the player’s way if he wishes to leave.
Zabarnyi signing may prove vital
Having already acquired the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, Tottenham Hotspur have a decent level of defensive depth but following Cristian Romero’s departure for Atletico Madrid, their interest in Ilia Zabarnyi is not a surprise.
Unlike Romero, who he might potentially replace at the back, Zabarnyi is calm in one-on-one situations, plays the ball out very well from the back and is physically dominant, so he would be a success in Roberto De Zerbi’s system at the club.
His potential signing might give the new Spurs coach the flexibility to leverage Micky van de Ven’s offensive skills by using him at left back as well following Djed Spence’s departure for Inter Milan last week.
Spurs’ immediate focus is likely to be on offensive additions anyways but that’s not to say Ilia Zabarnyi’s signing is fully ruled out. However, after a big spending spree this summer, the Ukrainian will need to be cost-effective for the Lilywhites.
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