PSG have shown significant interest in Bournemouth’s 22-year-old center-back Ilya Zabarnyi, according to a report from L’Equipe this Friday.
The outlet’s special winter transfer edition reveals that PSG is actively seeking a right-footed center-back to serve as both a backup and potential successor to Marquinhos.
The Brazilian captain, under contract with PSG until 2028, will turn 31 next year and has also attracted attention from Saudi Pro League clubs.
With Milan Skriniar likely to depart, PSG has intensified their search for a strong, duel-winning defender who aligns with Luis Enrique’s tactical approach.
Zabarnyi, who has been a key player for Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth and has played every minute of this Premier League season, appears to meet their criteria. Initial discussions between Zabarnyi and the Ligue 1 champions have reportedly taken place.
However, L’Equipe notes that signing the Ukrainian international could be challenging, as it might lead to a controversial situation with Zabarnyi potentially sharing a squad with Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.
Pundit eases Sheffield United fears over Bournemouth transfer target
Sheffield United forward Tyrese Campbell has reportedly caught the attention of AFC Bournemouth ahead of the January transfer window, though Carlton Palmer is doubtful that a move will happen.
After a disappointing 2023/24 campaign with Stoke City, Campbell has rejuvenated his career since joining Sheffield United in the summer.
Long recognized as a talented Championship player, his career had reached a crossroads following his departure from Stoke. The move to Bramall Lane has given him a fresh start and revitalized his form.
According to TalkSPORT, Campbell’s performances have drawn interest from Premier League clubs, with Bournemouth monitoring the 24-year-old for a potential winter transfer.
Despite starting only eight of Sheffield United’s 21 league games this season, he has scored six goals, making him the team’s top scorer and boasting the best ‘goals per 90 minutes’ statistic in the league, as reported by FotMob.
Before this resurgence, Campbell played 164 games for Stoke City, recording 36 goals and 21 assists. His most productive season came in 2019/20, when he scored nine goals in 33 appearances, averaging a goal every 180 minutes.
However, his output slowed in subsequent seasons, with just 18 goals in 98 games, leading to mixed opinions among Stoke fans regarding his attitude and form following injury setbacks.
Despite his injury history, Sheffield United took a gamble on Campbell, and it has paid off. When fit, he remains a player capable of making an impact at the higher end of the Championship, proving that his career is far from over.
Carlton Palmer’s verdict on Bournemouth links to Tyrese Campbell
Unfortunately, Campbell suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Millwall earlier this month, and the extent of the damage remains unclear.
Despite this setback, securing him on a free transfer has proven to be a shrewd move, with Wilder managing to unlock Campbell’s best form in nearly five years.
Former England international and current EFL pundit Carlton Palmer does not believe Sheffield United would consider letting Campbell leave in the upcoming transfer window. Palmer has been particularly impressed with Campbell’s all-around performances this season.
Speaking to Football League World, he said: “News coming out of Sheffield United is that AFC Bournemouth, alongside a few other teams, are monitoring their striker Tyrese Campbell.
“He has been in outstanding form for Sheffield United as they have shot to the top of the league in the Championship, scoring six goals in 14 games.
“He was only signed this summer on a free transfer by the Blades. That means nothing that he went on a free, with Tyrese coveted by a lot of football clubs.
“Glasgow Rangers being one of them after he ran down his contract. It wasn’t that other clubs weren’t interested at the time. He ran it down so he was a free agent.
“The situation with Campbell is that Bournemouth are sat sixth in the Premier League and he is a good hold-up and link-up player, and he can run in behind.
“But he is not prolific with goals. Through his career at Championship level, he has scored a maximum of nine goals in a season. Whether he can carry that threat to the Premier League? I don’t know.
“But I suppose Bournemouth are looking at him and it could be a relatively cheap option. But I also can’t imagine a Sheffield United side that are top of the league and looking to get back to the Premier League, letting him go.
“So, I am a little surprised at this one. But, obviously, with Tyrese in the form that he is, and Sheffield United doing as well as they are, then, of course, there is going to be interest in the player.
“But I can’t see anything coming of that.”
