“Maybe” – Lewis Steele won’t rule out Liverpool move for PSG star | OneFootball

Liverpool Continue to Monitor Ilya Zabarnyi as Defensive Search Goes On

Liverpool’s hunt for defensive reinforcements has generated several names in recent weeks, but one of the more intriguing links is Paris Saint Germain defender Ilya Zabarnyi. During the latest episode of Media Matters on Anfield Index, Lewis Steele joined Dave Davis to discuss the speculation surrounding the Ukrainian international and whether there is genuine substance behind the reports.

Steele stopped well short of suggesting a move is close, but his comments offered an interesting insight into why the link has emerged and why Liverpool supporters should continue to keep an eye on developments.

Liverpool Clearly Need Defensive Options

The discussion around Zabarnyi came against the backdrop of Liverpool’s well documented need for defensive reinforcements.

Earlier in the podcast, Steele explained:

“I’ve said for weeks they’re a defender light.”

That assessment was echoed by Andoni Iraola’s own comments regarding the lack of defensive depth available ahead of the new season.

With Conor Bradley continuing his recovery and Liverpool still assessing options across the back line, it is no surprise that centre backs capable of strengthening the squad continue to be linked with a move to Anfield.

Connection Between Liverpool and PSG

When Dave Davis raised Zabarnyi’s name, Steele immediately pointed towards an interesting theme that has developed throughout Liverpool’s transfer activity.

“There’s some weird shareds going on between Liverpool and PSG.”

He continued by listing several players connected with both clubs.

“You know Barcola, Diomande… Zabarnyi.”

Rather than presenting that as evidence of negotiations, Steele simply acknowledged that there appears to be repeated overlap between Liverpool’s recruitment work and PSG’s squad.

He added: “Maybe.”

It was a reminder that transfer links often develop from wider market circumstances rather than concrete negotiations.

Photo: IMAGO

Profile Makes Sense

Although Steele admitted he has not heard significant developments, he did explain why the speculation is understandable.

“It’s one of them where I say it makes a lot of sense.”

He also referenced the player’s recent move.

“I think he went to PSG for £60m last summer.”

Steele believes a lack of opportunities in France could potentially influence the situation.

“He’s not really played as much as he would have liked anyway, especially in the big games.”

That naturally raises the possibility that the defender could consider returning to the Premier League if the right opportunity presented itself.

“Maybe he wants to return to England.”

Even so, Steele remained careful not to overstate Liverpool’s position.

“Again, not really heard too much to be honest.”

Those words were consistent with his approach throughout the discussion, separating logical transfer links from confirmed developments.

Trusted Reports Worth Watching

One notable aspect of the conversation centred on the original source of the latest speculation.

Discussing the reports, Steele said: “Alex Crook is normally spot on, so I’ll trust that for now.”

That did not amount to confirmation of Liverpool making a move, but it did suggest the reports are credible enough to follow rather than dismiss outright.

Steele also acknowledged Liverpool’s interest in the player is not entirely new.

“We know that they’ve had a look into him.”

He added:

That suggests Zabarnyi has featured within Liverpool’s wider recruitment discussions for some time rather than suddenly appearing on the radar this week.

Interest Exists, Questions Remain

Perhaps Steele’s most balanced assessment came as he reflected on whether Zabarnyi is ultimately the right fit.

“It does feel more of a Liverpool deal to do.”

Yet he immediately followed that with a note of caution.

“I don’t know if he’s the profile that Liverpool need to be honest from what I know about him.”

That combination of interest and uncertainty neatly summarises Liverpool’s current position.

Steele concluded by urging patience.

“I think it’s worth keeping an eye on the situation, but I don’t think there’s too much in it just yet.”

He also acknowledged how quickly Liverpool’s transfer business can develop.

“Knowing what we know about Liverpool and what they do in the transfer window though, they could just spring into life and sign him in 48 hours. We don’t know.”

For now, Ilya Zabarnyi remains another name within Liverpool’s defensive shortlist rather than an imminent arrival. With Iraola seeking greater depth and Liverpool continuing to evaluate options across the back line, the PSG defender is certainly one to monitor as the transfer window progresses