PSG set to complete Illya Zabarnyi signing in time for UEFA Super Cup
One of Luis Enrique’s priorities — adding defensive reinforcements ahead of the UEFA Super Cup — is set to be met. Illya Zabarnyi is expected in Paris tonight to undergo a medical and sign a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain. The 23-year-old (he will turn 24 on September 1) joins for a total fee of €66 million including bonuses.
If the medical goes smoothly, Zabarnyi can be registered quickly and should be eligible for Wednesday’s Super Cup against Tottenham (Wednesday 13, 21:00). Unlike some European competitions that impose fixed squad-submission deadlines, the Super Cup’s registration procedures allow for players who are properly cleared by their national association to feature for their new club in the fixture — which should permit Zabarnyi to appear on the match sheet.
Zabarnyi completed preseason with Bournemouth, and PSG plan to include him among the match-day squad. However, given his very recent arrival and the need to integrate into Luis Enrique’s system, he is expected to come off the bench rather than start — in contrast to the likely starting status for Lucas Chevalier.
Additional comments and context
– The quick turnaround — medical and immediate registration — shows PSG’s intent to have added defensive depth available for a major early-season match.
– Expect caution from the coaching staff: late arrivals typically begin on the bench to ease adaptation to new teammates, tactics and match tempo.
– If Zabarnyi performs well in coming appearances, he will increase competition at centre-back and give Luis Enrique more options for rotation across domestic and European obligations.
Brief summary
Illya Zabarnyi is due in Paris to sign a five-year deal with PSG for €66m (including bonuses). If he passes his medical, he can be registered in time to be in the squad for the Super Cup against Tottenham, though he is more likely to be named as a substitute as he integrates into the team.
Hopeful angle
This signing signals PSG’s proactive approach to squad building under Luis Enrique. Even if Zabarnyi starts on the bench, his presence immediately strengthens the club’s defensive options and gives the manager more flexibility as the season begins.