Tottenham has Prepared £61m Bid for an Unbelievable Premier League Defender Amid Liverpool and PSG Interest
Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their efforts in the summer transfer window as they prepare to launch a blockbuster €70 million (£61 million) bid for Bournemouth centre-back Illya Zabarnyi, a player who has earned high praise for his “unbelievable” performances in the Premier League. The North London side is looking to beat heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool to his signature, as per a new report.
Zabarnyi, 22, has emerged as one of the most consistent and promising young defenders in English football since joining Bournemouth. His commanding displays at the heart of defence have caught the eye of several European giants, and his future at the Vitality Stadium is now uncertain amid mounting interest from top-tier clubs.
Spurs Shift Focus Under New Management
Tottenham are undergoing a significant reshaping this summer. Former Brentford boss Thomas Frank has taken over from Ange Postecoglou, who, despite ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought by leading them to Europa League glory, was dismissed following a disappointing Premier League campaign that saw Spurs fall short of expectations.
Under Frank’s guidance, Spurs have already made important moves in the market. Loan signings Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel have been converted into permanent deals, while Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus have also joined the squad to strengthen both defence and midfield. However, the club’s sights are now firmly set on adding another top-tier centre-back, and Zabarnyi has emerged as the priority target.
PSG Talks Stall, Spurs Look to Capitalize
According to reports from CaughtOffside, Tottenham have opened direct negotiations with the Ukrainian defender after it was revealed that his potential move to Paris Saint-Germain has hit a snag. Although PSG have already agreed personal terms with Zabarnyi, they have yet to meet Bournemouth’s valuation, with their most recent €60m bid (£51.4m) being turned down.
Bournemouth are holding firm at €70m, and Spurs, recognizing an opportunity to jump the queue, are reportedly ready to meet the asking price in full. With bonuses included, their upcoming offer could even exceed the €70m threshold, reflecting just how highly Zabarnyi is rated by the club.
While Zabarnyi is said to have been swayed by PSG’s recent Champions League victory, the French club may soon walk away from the deal if negotiations stall over finances—paving the way for Spurs to swoop in decisively.
Liverpool Join the Race
Tottenham are not the only English club monitoring Zabarnyi closely. Liverpool have now entered the race, identifying him as a potential successor to Ibrahima Konaté, who has reportedly attracted interest from abroad. Liverpool’s interest adds yet another layer of complexity to the situation and will push Spurs to act swiftly to avoid losing out.
Potential Double Deal: Xavi Simons Also Targeted
Spurs’ recruitment drive doesn’t stop with Zabarnyi. The club is also in discussions to sign Dutch attacking midfielder Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. Tottenham have long admired Simons and are now intensifying their pursuit. Whether they plan to sign him as an alternative to Morgan Gibbs-White or in addition to him remains to be seen.
Earlier this summer, Spurs triggered the £60m release clause in Gibbs-White’s contract with Nottingham Forest and scheduled a medical. However, the deal is currently on hold amid a complaint from Forest to the Premier League, accusing Tottenham of tapping up the player before activating his exit clause.
Zabarnyi Pursuit Coincides With Romero Uncertainty
Tottenham’s renewed focus on centre-backs is partially driven by growing uncertainty over the future of Cristian Romero. The Argentine international remains a vital figure in Spurs’ defence, but persistent links to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have left the club wary of a potential departure.
Bringing in Zabarnyi could either provide immediate reinforcement or act as a contingency plan should Romero opt for a return to Spain.
More Deals on the Horizon
In addition to their efforts to bolster the backline and attacking midfield, Tottenham are also making progress in their attempt to sign a defensive midfielder from Bayern Munich. Spurs have reportedly been given the green light for the deal, as Bayern have lowered their financial demands—clearing a potential path for yet another major signing.
Gibbs-White Sets Deadline for Spurs Switch
Meanwhile, Morgan Gibbs-White has reportedly communicated a deadline to finalize his move to Tottenham. The 24-year-old midfielder is eager to resolve the situation promptly, amid uncertainty caused by Nottingham Forest’s Premier League complaint.
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Summary: Tottenham Hotspur are ready to make a serious statement in the summer transfer market by launching a £61m bid for Bournemouth star Illya Zabarnyi. With PSG negotiations stalling and Liverpool entering the race, Spurs hope to outmaneuver both rivals in the battle for the 22-year-old. Alongside Zabarnyi, they are also pursuing Xavi Simons and remain active in talks with Bayern Munich over a midfield addition. All these moves signal a bold new direction under Thomas Frank’s leadership at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.