Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are said to have shown interest in AFC Bournemouth’s Illya Zabarnyi.
This was reported in the English press, after the defender enjoyed regular game time and impressed at Bournemouth this season. The Ukraine international has played every minute for the Cherries in the Premier League this season, making 12 appearances so far.
He has now responded to the claims of Tottenham and Liverpool’s interest. The 22-year-old has been speaking to Vzbirna’s Telegram channel, and his comments are relayed by Ukrainian outlet Champion.
When the Bournemouth player was asked about the links to the Premier League duo, he said: “Liverpool or Tottenham? I don’t know yet.”
The Cherries took the centre-back from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023 and he immediately picked up an ankle injury, which kept him on the sidelines for over a month.
Last season, he featured regularly for Andoni Iraola’s side, making 42 appearances in all competitions, and in the summer, the English club offered Zabarnyi a new contract until 2029.
The Ukrainian was asked if this is the ‘decisive’ season for him, and responding to that, Zabarnyi explained: “Is this season decisive for me? Perhaps yes. Every year is important for me, last season after injuries was also important.”
“I proved myself well. Now everything is also in my hands, it all depends on me.”
Tottenham and Liverpool may have to spend a lot to take him away from Bournemouth.
