Tottenham Hotspur Face Stiff Competition For This Bournemouth Defender: Is He Worth The Fight? | OneFootball

In a recent report, L’Equipe claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are facing stiff competition for Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi this summer. It has been mentioned that Spurs would have to rival Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United in the race to land the Ukrainian centre-back this off-season.

Zabarnyi’s Impressive Form In The Premier League

Zabarnyi had a solid campaign at the English club after he put in a string of impressive displays for them on the defensive end of the field. The Ukrainian talent participated in 39 matches for Bournemouth last season, securing one assist in all competitions.

The 22-year-old was a rock at the back for the Cherries and deserves credit for making 52 tackles, 33 blocks and 41 interceptions in the Premier League. He was even careful when distributing the ball from inside his half, based on his pass success rate of 82.1% in top-flight football (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at the Vitality Stadium will expire in the summer of 2029, which could make it difficult for Spurs to sign him on the cheap in this transfer window.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 03: Illya Zabarnyi #27 of AFC Bournemouth plays the ball during the Premier League Summer Series match between AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 03, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur Are Facing Stiff Competition For Zabarnyi: Is He Worth The Fight?

Zabarnyi is a good tackler of the ball and can sense the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and can use his strong 1.89m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air.

The Ukrainian sensation excels at playing his way out from the back. He has already got some valuable experience in the Premier League and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Tottenham if they can find a way to get a deal done for him.

Zabarnyi would add more bite and steel to Spurs head coach Thomas Frank’s defence. He is good enough to nail down a regular first-team place at the North London club.

At 22, Zabarnyi has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a worthy target for Tottenham to pursue in this transfer window. He would be well worth the fight, so Spurs would be wise to go all out to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this off-season.