‘I expect no issues with Zabaryni’s Tottenham medical’ if deal progresses – Doctor
Tottenham are reportedly keen on signing Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi ahead of Ligue 1 side PSG.
The 22-year-old centre-back was ever-present for the Cherries last season, impressing under manager Andoni Iraola.
He missed only two league games for Bournemouth, which were due to a suspension and not injury issues.
This article includes exclusive opinion from injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist.
Zabarnyi lauded for perfect injury record ahead of potential transfer
The Ukraine international is not expected to face any issues clearing his medical this summer, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
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Tottenham want to sign Zabarnyi ahead of Champions League winners PSG and are willing to pay the £60million the Cherries are demanding. (RMC Sport, 30 July)
Dr Brar told Tottenham News: “He missed just two games last season and that was due to a suspension, so he had a perfect injury record.
“That’s a good look for any club looking to sign him.
“He’s also got adequate Premier League experience under his belt and at 22, will only get better.
“I expect no issues with his medical.”
Tottenham may only sign Zabarnyi if Cristian Romero leaves
Zabarnyi is a strong long-term replacement for Tottenham’s Cristian Romero due to his Premier League-proven attributes.
His physicality, aerial dominance and ball-playing skills align with Thomas Frank’s demands, making him a seamless fit for Spurs’ aggressive defensive style.
Zabarnyi’s near-perfect attendance in Bournemouth’s ninth-place 2024/25 campaign and his partnership with Dean Huijsen highlight his reliability and potential to develop into a top-class defender.
However, with Romero’s future now stabilised after Atletico Madrid’s interest cooled, Spurs are unlikely to pay Bournemouth’s £60million valuation for a backup.
Spurs already have Micky van de Ven being a regular starter and the Cherries defender is unlikely to be fine with playing second fiddle.
Spending such a sum on a reserve defender doesn’t align with Daniel Levy’s prudent transfer strategy, especially with Zabarnyi reportedly favouring a move to PSG.