PSG's Club World Cup Ambitions Spark Elite Defensive Target Search

Attention, Paris and football fans worldwide! PSG, fresh off being crowned UEFA Champions League winners, isn't wasting any time. With the ambition to dominate not just Europe but the entire planet, the Parisian club is engaged in a frantic search for top-tier reinforcements ahead of the revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. And in that orbit of stars, one name has been particularly prominent in recent hours: Ilya Zabarnyi, the promising Ukrainian center-back from Bournemouth.

PSG has already secured its spot in this expanded 32-team competition, which promises to be a true global spectacle. With the tournament fast approaching (June 15 to July 13, 2025), time is of the essence for the Parisian front office as they look to fine-tune every line of the squad.

A Strategic Signing

Rumors linking 22-year-old Ilya Zabarnyi to the French giant have exploded in the European press. The young central defender has established himself as one of the revelations in the Premier League with Bournemouth, showing unusual maturity and defensive talent for his age.

• Defensive Solidity: Zabarnyi stands out for his physical strength, his ability to win aerial duels, and his positional intelligence. He's a modern center-back who combines robustness with good ball distribution, qualities highly valued by top clubs.
• Youth and Potential: At 22, Zabarnyi is already a full international for Ukraine and has accumulated considerable Premier League experience. His growth potential is enormous, making him a future investment as well as an immediate reinforcement.
• Backline Needs: While PSG boasts elite defenders like Marquinhos, depth and quality in the backline are crucial for a demanding schedule like the one ahead. A tournament like the Club World Cup, coupled with the league and Champions League, demands a broad squad with guaranteed quality.

According to recent reports from French media, negotiations between PSG and Bournemouth are ongoing, although there's talk of a significant difference in the player's valuation. Bournemouth is reportedly asking for around 70-75 million euros, while PSG's initial offer remains below 50 million. Sources close to the negotiation indicate that, while Zabarnyi's signing for the Club World Cup is "highly unlikely" due to deadlines and the price difference, discussions will continue and an agreement could be reached later in the summer.

Building a World Champion

The interest in Zabarnyi is just one piece of the puzzle. PSG, led by sporting director Luis Campos and coach Luis Enrique, is drawing a clear strategy: to strengthen every area of the pitch to compete for all titles. After conquering the Champions League, the objective is clear: add the Club World Cup to their trophy cabinet and solidify their position as the best team on the planet.

Other names are rumored to be on PSG's radar, from creative midfielders to forwards who will complement their already formidable attack. The idea is to build a versatile team with quality backups and the ability to adapt to different systems and opponents, from European giants to champions from other confederations in the Club World Cup.

PSG's financial capability is a determining factor, but the caution in negotiations for Zabarnyi shows that the club is not willing to pay any price. Patience and strategy will be key in this transfer window.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is shaping up to be a luxurious stage for PSG to showcase its power. Squad improvements are not just a whim but a necessity to face a tournament that will be a true test.

Will PSG manage to finalize the signing of Zabarnyi or other stars before the big tournament? Time will tell, but what's certain is that the Parisian club is determined to arrive in the United States with its best possible version to conquer the world.