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<p>Destined for PSG</p>
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<img alt="Ilya Zabarnyi heading to PSG: Examining Bournemouth's defensive revamp" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/bournemouth-spotlight-1754301622-173958.png" title="Ilya Zabarnyi heading to PSG: Examining Bournemouth's defensive revamp">
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<p>AFC Bournemouth, with one of the smallest stadiums in Europe's top-five leagues, accommodating just 11,307 fans, surprised many in the Premier League last season. The Cherries matched their highest ever finishing position (9th) and achieved their best points tally (56), narrowly missing out on European competition for the first time. Much of this achievement stemmed from a sturdy defense expertly overseen by manager Andoni Iraola.</p>
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<p>Centre-back duo Ilya Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen formed a strong partnership after Huijsen's €19.6 million transfer from Juventus last summer. Milos Kerkez emerged as one of the top young left-backs in the Premier League, while goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, on loan from Chelsea, and club captain Adam Smith at right-back provided vital experience. Now, however, only Smith remains as Zabarnyi prepares for a move to Champions League winners PSG. Bournemouth has a track record of acquiring young defenders who then significantly increase in value, allowing the club to profit handsomely from their transfers.</p>
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<h2>Building a Strong Young Defense at Bournemouth</h2>
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<p>Ukrainian center-back Ilya Zabarnyi joined Bournemouth from Dynamo Kiev in 2022 for €22.7 million when he was just 20 years old. He became the second-most expensive defender in the club's history, following Nathan Aké's transfer for €20.8 million from Chelsea. Bournemouth's strategic investment soon paid off, as Zabarnyi's market value has since soared to €42 million. Hungarian full-back Kerkez was acquired from AZ Alkmaar for €20.5 million in 2023, marking the third-highest expenditure on a defender in the club's history. Initially viewed as a significant risk for a young player with a market value of €15 million, Kerkez's value has now skyrocketed to €45 million after his two seasons at the Vitality Stadium.</p>
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<p>Bournemouth's shrewd dealings also include the €19.6 million acquisition of centre-back Dean Huijsen from Juventus—a move that is now showing to be a big regret for the Italian club. After stepping in for the injured Marcos Senesi early last season, Huijsen quickly made a name for himself, emerging as one of the brightest young defenders in the league and earning a full international cap for Spain, with his market value climbing to €60 million.</p>
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<h2>Disassembling Bournemouth's Defensive Setup This Summer</h2>
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<p>Identifying and nurturing young talent has proven lucrative for Bournemouth, but it also makes it difficult to retain these players. While the club celebrates impressive transfer profits this summer, their previously solid defense has been significantly dismantled. Huijsen transferred to Spanish giants Real Madrid for €62.5 million, netting a substantial €42.9 million profit after just one season. Full-back Kerkez followed suit with a €46.9 million transfer to Premier League champions Liverpool, resulting in a €26.6 million profit for the Cherries.</p>
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<p>With Zabarnyi's imminent transfer to PSG likely to be valued at a total of €67 million, the financial benefits for Bournemouth are immense. The club is set to almost €200 million from the sales of three young defenders for a combined investment of €62.8 million. However, the challenge now lies in replacing these key players. French left-back Adrien Truffert has been signed from Stade Rennes for €13.5 million to compete with young Julio Soler at left-back, while goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic has been brought in to fill the void left by Arrizabalaga. Nevertheless, Bournemouth now faces a gap in their center-back department and will be hoping their forward-thinking scouting team can identify the next Huijsen or Zabarnyi this summer.</p>
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