Liverpool continue to explore the possibility of bringing Illia Zabarnyi to the club this summer to address concerns over a lack of centre-back depth.
The loss of Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer is one of the most damaging transfer developments at Liverpool in recent years.
The Frenchman, while admittedly very poor for Liverpool last season, is one of the best centre-backs in the world.
While he would undoubtedly have suited Andoni Iraola’s style of play given the front-footed nature of the Spaniard’s tactical philosophy, not receiving a transfer fee for a top player is most damaging. Given that Real Madrid agreed to pay Konate £400k-a-week as well as an £18 million signing-on bonus explains why he was so keen to make the move to La Liga.
However, Liverpool are now left looking for a replacement without any transfer income to even partially fund the transfer.
With Liverpool severely lacking centre-back depth, it’s encouraging to learn that talks are underway to sign Zabarnyi from PSG in addition to ongoing talks for Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool hold fresh talks with the agents of Illia Zabarnyi over £60m move to Anfield
According to DaveOCKOP.com, Liverpool have been in talks over the last few days with Illia Zabarnyi over a move to Anfield, with a key detail in the story being that he shares agents with Curtis Jones. The Reds may use that existing relationship to facilitate a move for the Ukrainian this summer which could cost in the region of £60m.
The report states: “Liverpool’s defensive depth remains a hot topic this summer, and the name Illia Zabarnyi continues to be an option that could reinforce Andoni Iraola’s backline.
“DaveOCKOP.com broke the news earlier this window that Zabarnyi’s entourage had offered the player to Liverpool.
“That development came about during separate talks between the club and Curtis Jones’ representatives, who were at Anfield discussing the midfielder’s contract situation amid continued interest from Inter Milan.
“It was during those conversations that Liverpool were made aware of the opportunity to explore a deal for Zabarnyi, with the defender’s camp using the meeting as a chance to present him as an option. Expect Jones’ situation to continue generating headlines in the coming weeks, and given how his camp’s talks led to this opening, his name could well be mentioned again as the Zabarnyi story develops.
“We can also reveal that the player’s entourage were once again in talks with Liverpool in the past days and that further talks were held.”
Zabarnyi’s experience playing under Iraola makes him the perfect centre-back signing
Zabarnyi played for Bournemouth between 2023 and 2025 before making a £57.5m move to PSG last summer. While the 23-year-old played most of the club’s games in Ligue 1, he wasn’t trusted by Luis Enrique to feature heavily in the Champions League. Ultimately, the logic was vindicated by PSG winning their second European championship in two years.
Now, however, with Liverpool interested, there is a chance the €157k-a-week defender could be enticed to move back to the Premier League to play under Iraola once more.
Their existing relationship, as well as Liverpool’s relationship with Zabarnyi’s agent, could make a move to Anfield the perfect storm this summer.