Liverpool are wasting no time in addressing a major defensive headache this summer. With Ibrahima Konaté heading for the exit door on a free transfer, the Reds have already been presented with a concrete opportunity to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Ilya Zabarnyi, according to well-placed reports.
The news comes at a critical juncture for Arne Slot’s side. After five successful years at Anfield, Konaté’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter. Fabrizio Romano confirmed over the weekend that contract negotiations between the France international and Liverpool have definitively collapsed. While salary and contract length were reportedly agreed upon earlier in the year, the deal ultimately fell apart over bonus structures — specifically those related to major trophy wins and the activation of appearance-related clauses.
Despite public optimism from Konaté in April suggesting an agreement was near, weeks of detailed talks failed to bridge the final gaps. As Romano put it, “for Ibrahima Konaté and Liverpool, the story is over.” The 26-year-old is now expected to leave Anfield for free this summer, representing a significant blow to the club’s defensive stability and squad planning.
Zabarnyi Emerges as a Serious Option
In the search for reinforcements, Liverpool have already been linked with several high-profile targets, including a potential return for Jarrell Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. However, a new and highly intriguing name has now entered the conversation: Ilya Zabarnyi.
According to transfer insider DaveOCKOP, the opportunity to sign the Ukraine international arose organically during discussions with the agency representing Curtis Jones regarding the midfielder’s potential future away from Anfield. While exploring Jones’ situation, Liverpool’s representatives were presented with the chance to pursue Zabarnyi.
Talks remain at an exploratory stage, but the proposal has clearly caught the club’s attention. The 23-year-old centre-back, who joined PSG from Bournemouth last summer in a deal worth £54.5 million (€63 million guaranteed) plus £2.6 million in add-ons — taking the potential package close to £57 million — is understood to be unsettled in Paris. PSG, for their part, would be open to a sale if their valuation is met.
Why This Move Could Shake Up the Premier League
Zabarnyi’s profile makes him a particularly attractive proposition. A composed ball-playing defender with excellent aerial ability and pace, he has the physical and technical attributes to thrive in the Premier League — qualities he previously demonstrated during his time at Bournemouth. His relative youth also aligns with Liverpool’s strategy of building a squad for the long term.
The prospect of Liverpool securing a player of Zabarnyi’s calibre for a fee that could rival or undercut what PSG paid just one year ago has sent ripples across the Premier League. For rivals in the Big Six, the idea of the Reds quickly replacing Konaté with a high-potential, proven performer at a competitive price is indeed a concerning development. It would not only shore up Slot’s defence but also signal Liverpool’s continued ability to move swiftly and smartly in the market despite losing key players on free transfers.
While nothing is advanced at this stage, the mere fact that initial dialogue has taken place highlights Liverpool’s proactive approach to squad rebuilding. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether this “intriguing” opportunity develops into something more concrete.
For a club that has built its recent success on smart recruitment and decisive action, signing Zabarnyi could prove to be one of the shrewdest defensive acquisitions of the summer — and one that leaves Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham very much taking notice.