‘Bournemouth give Illia Zabarnyi PSG green light amid transfer update’
Bournemouth’s tough transfer window is set to continue as manager Andoni Iraola prepares for his third defensive departure of the window.
The Cherries enjoyed a fine season under Iraola last time out, finishing ninth in the Premier League table, meaning their star players have been approached by other club’s.
Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez have left for Real Madrid and Liverpool, whilst goalkeeper Kepa departed following the expiry of his loan spell.
Antoine Semenyo was being pursued by Spurs before the winger signed a new contract at Bournemouth.
Bournemouth act to replace Zabarnyi
Bournemouth are now braced for another departure with centre-back Illia Zabarnyi on the verge of joining Ligue 1 champions PSG.
Iraola though has identified a replacement for the Ukrainian, meaning the deal can now be completed.
According to The Athletic [10 August], Bournemouth “reached an agreement” to bring Bafode Diakite to the Vitality Stadium.
| Appearances | 48 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 1 |
Diakite would sign from Lille in a deal worth £30million, which would be the second biggest transfer fee Bournemouth have completed in their history.
Iroalo requires further signings
Football Insider Verdict
Diakite is a timely addition to Bournemouth’s ranks ahead of the Cherries’ opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool.
The 24-year-old would slot into the Bournemouth back four, partnering either Marcos Senesi or James Hill.
Their defensive vulnerabilities were shown in a 4-1 defeat by Manchester United in pre-season and travelling to Anfield will provide them with one of their toughest tests of the season.
Iraola will hope the departure of Zabarnyi is the last of any major departures that have hit his squad.
Zabarnyi’s partnership with Huijsen was a key factor in Bournemouth’s successful season and replacing that solid foundation will be a tough task for Iraola.
With the funds that Bournemouth will receive from the Zabarnyi sale will boost Iraola in the transfer market, and the manager is sure to want to do more business.
Bournemouth have been quiet on the incomings front with only Djordje Petrovic and Adrien Truffert brought in, and they were signed to replace Kepa and Kerkez.
There push to gatecrash the European spots next season currently looks unlikely unless the squad is strengthened, in what could prove to be a tougher campaign for Bournemouth.