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<p>Completing the move to PSG</p>
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<p><img alt="Ilya Zabarnyi joins Huijsen & Kerkez on exit list - How Bournemouth constructed & sold their defence" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/bournemouth-spotlight-1754301622-173958.png" title="Ilya Zabarnyi joins Huijsen & Kerkez on exit list - How Bournemouth constructed & sold their defence"></p>
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<p>AFC Bournemouth, boasting one of the smallest stadiums in Europe’s top leagues with a capacity of 11,307, surprised many in the Premier League last season. The Cherries equaled their highest-ever finish at 9th place, achieving a record points total of 56, narrowly missing their first European qualification. Much of this success stemmed from a robust defense expertly guided by manager Andoni Iraola.</p>
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<p><img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/bournemouth-points-totals-1754299645-173956.png?lm=1754299653" width="503"></p>
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<p>The defensive duo of centre-backs Ilya Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen formed a strong partnership, especially following Huijsen’s €19.6 million transfer from Juventus last summer. Young left-back Milos Kerkez became one of the Premier League's most promising talents, while goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, on loan from Chelsea, and club captain Adam Smith offered valuable experience. However, with Zabarnyi's recent €63 million transfer to Champions League winners PSG (plus €3 million in add-ons), only Smith remains from that defensive line. Bournemouth has made a name for itself in signing young defenders who develop significantly and yield considerable profits.</p>
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<p><img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/bournemouth-defence-1754985678-174610.png?lm=1754985699" width="503"></p>
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<h2>How Bournemouth Built a Sturdy Young Defense</h2>
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<p>Ukrainian centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi was acquired in 2022 from Dynamo Kyiv for €22.7 million when he was only 20 years old, making him the second most expensive defender the club had ever signed, just behind Nathan Aké (€20.8 million from Chelsea). Bournemouth's foresight in investing in Zabarnyi has clearly paid off, as his market value has soared to €42 million. Hungarian full-back Kerkez was obtained for €20.5 million from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, viewed as a significant investment for a young defender, especially since his market value was merely €15 million at the time. However, after two seasons at the Vitality Stadium, Kerkez's worth has risen to €45 million.</p>
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<p>The club enjoyed great success with the €19.6 million acquisition of centre-back Dean Huijsen from Juventus—a move that will likely haunt the Italian club. After stepping in for an injured Marcos Senesi, Huijsen quickly made a name for himself, ending the season as one of the league's standout young defenders, a full international for Spain, with a market value now reaching €60 million.</p>
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<h2>How Bournemouth’s Defense was Drained This Summer</h2>
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<p>Identifying and nurturing young talent involves the risk of losing them, and this summer has seen significant changes in Bournemouth's defense. While the club's profits from player sales have soared, little from last season's strong defensive lineup remains. Huijsen recently moved to Real Madrid for €62.5 million, netting a €42.9 million profit after just one season. Kerkez was sold to Premier League champions Liverpool for €46.9 million—a €26.6 million profit for Bournemouth.</p>
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<p><img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/huijsen-profit-1754300627-173957.png?lm=1754300639" width="503"></p>
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<p>Now, with Zabarnyi's shift to a European powerhouse this summer, expected to cost around €66 million, Bournemouth is looking at nearly €200 million generated from the sales of three young defenders for a total initial investment of €62.8 million. While these financial gains are excellent for the club, they still face the challenge of replacing key players. The French left-back Adrien Truffert has been signed from Stade Rennes for €13.5 million to compete with young Julio Soler, while goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic replaces Arrizabalaga. However, Bournemouth currently appears short on centre-backs and will rely on their proactive scouting to find the next Huijsen or Zabarnyi this summer.</p>
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