Illia Zabarnyi during his time at Dinamo Kiev. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Tottenham plotting summer move for 'very easy to coach' 22-year-old Premier League ace

Originally posted on the Boy Hotspur | Last updated May 19, 2025 4:00 AM ET

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing the Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old has established himself as a key player for the Cherries, and he is on the radar of multiple clubs this summer. According to GMS, Tottenham are one of the clubs keen on him, and it remains to be seen whether they come forward with an offer to sign him.

Tottenham have been tracking him for over a year.

Tottenham need Ilya Zabarnyi

They need more defensive depth on the side, especially if Cristian Romero ends up leaving the club. He has been linked with a move to Spain in recent weeks. Zabarnyi could be the ideal replacement. He is well settled in the Premier League and he has established himself as a reliable performer for mouth. He has the quality to do well for a big club like Tottenham as well.

The player is highly rated at Bournemouth, and manager Andoni Iraola has labelled him as someone who is “very easy to coach”. He also claimed that the 22-year-old Ukrainian defender is a reliable and important performer for the side.

Can Spurs convince the Cherries to sell?

Bournemouth have already lost Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to sanction the departure of two defenders in one window. It will be difficult for Tottenham to convince the Cherries to sell the player. They might have to pay over the odds to convince the Premier League side.

The 22-year-old could be tempted to join a big club in the summer, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops. Even though Tottenham have struggled this season, they are an ambitious club with an exciting project. If they manage to win the UEFA Europa League this summer, they will be an attractive destination for most players.

This article first appeared on the Boy Hotspur and was syndicated with permission.

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