Chelsea Failed With A Late Move For 22-Year-Old Ukrainian Centre-back: Is It A Setback For The Blues? | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca begins his time at Stamford Bridge for the 2025/26 season with many things to consider, and one of them remains the defence. Chelsea have been making moves in recent weeks, trying to reinforce their backline with young players.

Among those names, Illia Zabarnyi stood out above the rest. The 22-year-old Ukrainian centre-back has been attracting attention from top clubs for some time now, thanks to his consistent performances at Bournemouth and his tactical maturity. The Londoners were no strangers to that growth and tried to bring him in late in the process, albeit unsuccessfully. Circumstances have ended up playing against him.

Chelsea Failed With A Late Move For 22-Year-Old Ukrainian Centre-back

According to information from Graeme Bailey reported by TBR Football, Chelsea attempted a late swoop to sign Zabarnyi. Newcastle were also interested, but both received the same response: the player is only thinking about PSG.

Bailey claimed that Zabarnyi has an advanced personal agreement with the French club, although details are still outstanding between PSG and Bournemouth. Even so, the centre-back has already made clear his desire to make the move.

Bournemouth, despite their discomfort with the development of the negotiation, do not seem to have room for manoeuvre. Chelsea, then, are left empty-handed as Paris move closer to closing the deal.

Opinion:

On a more reflective view, one wonders whether Chelsea should have acted sooner. Delay in making key decisions has again taken its toll. Zabarnyi was not an impossible signing. There was no clause, and Bournemouth are not a club that are completely closed to negotiation.

If he really was a player who attracted interest, one would expect an earlier, more decisive offensive. But by arriving late, with PSG already on the scene, the margin was very small. Understandably, the player prioritises a club that won the Champions League, a more established project, and a bigger showcase.

Can Maresca rearm the defence without Zabarnyi? The answer remains to be seen. The team still needs solidity, especially after last year’s constant rotations. However, losing Zabarnyi need not be a tragedy.

It may also open the door to a different profile, perhaps even more suited to the style the new coach wants to implement. There are young defenders with potential in other markets, and the club has resources.

The key is to decide quickly, avoid indecision, and build on conviction. Not signing Zabarnyi is a setback, yes, but also an opportunity to find a clearer and more effective way to rebuild Chelsea’s defence.