Liverpool have been presented with the opportunity to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Illia Zabarnyi, according to a report, as incoming manager Andoni Iraola considers potential reinforcements. The possibility of a move comes with Ibrahima Konate set to depart Anfield for Real Madrid as a free agent this summer after failing to agree terms on a contract extension with the Merseyside club.
Konate’s anticipated move to the Santiago Bernabéu has prompted Liverpool to search for a central defensive replacement, with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck already linked with a transfer. Now, Daveockop reports that Zabarnyi, who previously played under Iraola at Bournemouth, has been offered to Liverpool, with the player reportedly unsettled in Paris.
The 23-year-old Ukraine international joined PSG in the summer of 2025 for a fee of £57 million and featured prominently in Luis Enrique’s squad this past season, making 26 Ligue 1 starts and two appearances in the Champions League. Despite winning the Ligue 1 title, the Champions League, and the Trophee des Champions in his first season with the French champions, Zabarnyi is said to be “less than fully satisfied with his situation” at the Parc des Princes.
PSG are reportedly open to selling Zabarnyi if they can recoup the £57 million they invested in him last year. Initial discussions have taken place between the clubs, though the report stresses that talks are currently at an exploratory stage. Iraola clearly admires Zabarnyi, having previously praised the defender’s reliability, robustness, and coachability during their time together at Bournemouth in February 2025. He noted Zabarnyi’s development from a shy player to a vocal leader on the pitch.
Zabarnyi himself has spoken highly of Iraola, emphasizing the clarity of the manager’s instructions and the confidence he felt playing under him. A move to Liverpool would reunite the pair and potentially address a key defensive need for the club following Konate’s departure. Securing Zabarnyi could provide Iraola with a familiar face and a proven performer as he begins to reshape the Liverpool squad.
