Liverpool Eyes Ilya Zabarnyi As Centre‑Back Option

Potential Acquisition in the Making

Liverpool’s centre‑back rotation has changed this summer after Ibrahima Konate left on a free transfer and French youngster Jeremy Jacquet arrived to fill the gap. Manager Andoni Iraola now counts four senior names in that area: Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and Jacquet, though Leoni is still sidelined after an ACL injury. With only two of those options proven at Premier League level and Gomez’s injury history a concern, the club is looking for fresh cover. The situation has prompted conversations about bringing in another defender, even beyond the high‑profile link with Bradley Barcola.

David Lynch, speaking on The Redmen TV, warned that a move for PSG’s Illia Zabarnyi is not out of the picture. He suggested that if PSG needs to off‑load a fringe player at a reduced price, Liverpool—who have shown a taste for bargain signings like Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern—could seize the opportunity. Zabarnyi, who previously worked under Iraola at Bournemouth, is seen as someone Hughes would monitor closely, given their shared history. The commentator stressed that while the window is still early, the scenario is worth watching.

Zabarnyi’s market valuation sits between €40m and €45m (£34.1m‑£38.4m) on Transfermarkt and Football‑Transfers, a figure that seems reasonable for a 23‑year‑old Champions League winner with Premier League exposure. He was reportedly of interest to Anfield a year ago, and his familiarity with Iraola’s tactics could make him an attractive option despite the price tag. Even if he was not a regular in PSG’s recent European campaign, a cut‑price deal could fit Liverpool’s current financial strategy. The Ukrainian’s age and potential for growth add further appeal for a club looking to solidify its defensive ranks.

The window has seen some activity already, with early‑June reports claiming Liverpool held exploratory talks about Zabarnyi, though no active transfer link exists at present. The club’s interest appears speculative at this stage, but the precedent of past season signings suggests they could revisit the idea if PSG opens talks about his status. Fans should keep an eye on developments as the summer progresses, as the centre‑half market remains fluid. With competition for top defenders intense, any movement for Zabarnyi could signal Liverpool’s intent to bolster their backline ahead of the new campaign.