Tottenham Advancing With Deal to Sign ‘Unbelievable’ £60m Premier League Star
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly making serious progress in their pursuit of Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, with a significant £60 million bid expected to be accepted by the south coast club. According to Football Insider, Spurs are leading the race to sign the highly-rated Ukrainian defender, fending off strong competition from European heavyweights such as Paris Saint-Germain.
Spurs Target Zabarnyi as Defensive Reinforcements Become Priority
Zabarnyi has rapidly risen to prominence in the Premier League since making the switch to Bournemouth. After initially being viewed as a long-term project, he exceeded expectations by becoming a consistent and composed presence at the heart of Bournemouth’s backline. His commanding performances last season under manager Andoni Iraola were instrumental in the Cherries’ defensive solidity, as he developed an impressive partnership with fellow young talent Dean Huijsen.
While Huijsen grabbed many of the headlines for his stylish performances from the back—ultimately securing a dream transfer to Real Madrid—Zabarnyi was quietly just as important. The 21-year-old operated as a stabilizing force, offering discipline, composure in possession, and a natural ability to read the game. His quiet consistency didn’t go unnoticed by top clubs across Europe, and now Tottenham appear ready to pounce.
Tottenham Respond to Romero Situation with Ambitious Target
The move for Zabarnyi is not only about strengthening depth but may also be a reaction to growing uncertainty around Cristian Romero’s future in north London. The Argentine defender has reportedly drawn interest from Atletico Madrid, according to GIVEMESPORT. Spurs are said to be waiting to hear from Romero regarding his intentions, but with the threat of losing their World Cup-winning centre-back looming, the club appears to be acting swiftly to prepare for all outcomes.
Thomas Frank’s Tactical Plans Influencing Transfer Strategy
New Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank, who arrived earlier this summer following the surprise sacking of Ange Postecoglou, has already begun shaping the squad to suit his tactical preferences. While Frank was known for deploying a three-at-the-back system during his successful tenure at Brentford, his first pre-season match in charge of Spurs—against Reading—saw him opt for a more traditional four-at-the-back formation.
However, tactical flexibility is expected to be a key feature of Frank’s reign, and the club’s pursuit of Zabarnyi could be an indicator that he intends to return to a back-three setup eventually. If Romero does depart and Zabarnyi is brought in, it would make sense to add another centre-back to partner Micky van de Ven and possibly allow young Croatian Luka Vuskovic—who impressed in that same friendly by scoring and assisting off the bench—to develop gradually rather than being thrust into a regular starting role.
Zabarnyi’s Profile Matches Tottenham’s Long-Term Vision
Zabarnyi’s profile fits perfectly with Tottenham’s evolving recruitment model. Still just 21 years old, the Ukrainian international already boasts significant experience at both club and international level. He is known for his calm demeanor under pressure, strong positional awareness, and ability to contribute to build-up play from the back—qualities that will likely appeal to Frank and Spurs’ technical leadership.
Midfielder Philip Billing, a teammate of Zabarnyi’s at Bournemouth, previously described him as “unbelievable,” a testament to his high ceiling and the level of maturity he displays on the pitch. Tottenham, who are looking to return to the Champions League and challenge more seriously for domestic trophies, see Zabarnyi as a player who could anchor their defense for years to come.
Spurs Acting Boldly to Secure the Deal
Sources close to the situation believe that a bid just over £60 million could be enough to tempt Bournemouth into selling. While it represents a major outlay, Tottenham are prepared to invest significantly in their backline, especially considering the potential exit of Romero and the importance of building a defense capable of competing at the highest level.
Although PSG remain interested, Spurs are currently in the driver’s seat, with Zabarnyi reportedly open to the move and enticed by the opportunity to play for a club with Champions League ambitions and a clear development pathway under Frank.
Conclusion: Spurs Eye Defensive Foundation for a New Era
The potential signing of Illia Zabarnyi could mark the beginning of a new defensive era at Tottenham Hotspur. With Romero’s future hanging in the balance and a new tactical system being implemented by Thomas Frank, the need for a reliable, technically-gifted centre-back has never been more urgent.
Zabarnyi’s arrival would not only address a key squad need but also signal Tottenham’s intent to invest in players who combine youth, Premier League experience, and tactical intelligence. With negotiations reportedly advancing quickly, Spurs fans may not have to wait long before seeing the Ukrainian defender don the lilywhite shirt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.