Bournemouth announce signing of Ukraine international Illia Zabarnyi | OneFootball

Bournemouth have announced the signing of Ukraine international Illia Zabarnyi from Dynamo Kyiv.

The centre-back has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with the club.

The fee for the 20-year-old is thought to be in the region of £20m for a player who has represented his country on 24 occasions and has featured in both the Europa League and the Champions League for Kyiv this season.

The Cherries have already completed moves for goalkeeper Darren Randolph, forward Antoine Semenyo, left-back Matias Vina and winger Dango Ouattara in a bid to escape relegation from the Premier League this season.

“We are absolutely delighted to bring Illia to the club and he arrives with a burgeoning CV,” said Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake.

“Despite only being 20, he has played at the highest level for club and country and has established himself as one of the most sought-after young defenders in the world.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing him continue his development with us and know he will be a valued and important member of our squad.”

A talented young defender, Zabarnyi was also said to be subject to interest from both Chelsea and Aston Villa in the transfer window.