With the winter break now over, it’s the perfect time to assess PSG’s 2025/2026 signings and analyze their impact on the team! PSG did not hesitate to spend big to secure their two transfer priorities: Lucas Chevalier, the goalkeeper, and Illia Zabarnyi, the central defender. Here’s a closer look at these two players.
Lucas Chevalier: a promising goalkeeper but not yet a leader
Signed for €40 million from LOSC, Lucas Chevalier has shown flashes of brilliance, notably during the penalty shootout that helped PSG win the Trophée des Champions against OM. His reflexes and technique are impressive, and he is comfortable with the ball at his feet, but he still lacks the personality to become a true team leader. Luis Enrique has not yet given him full trust: in the match against Newcastle on January 28, Matvey Safonov was preferred in goal over Chevalier.
Illia Zabarnyi: struggling to adapt to Ligue 1’s pace
At €63 million, Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi represents a significant investment for PSG. However, his adaptation to Ligue 1 has been slow. The former Bournemouth player looks heavy in his movements and sometimes lacks speed, making him vulnerable against fast attackers. His lack of reactivity has occasionally been costly, such as in Matchday 17 against Paris FC (2-1 victory), where he conceded a penalty. Enrique will need to work with him to improve his game reading and his ability to cover spaces behind the defense.
