Not all Manchester United fans develop smile lines at the mention of Paul Pogba, but truth be told, the French superstar who was Manchester United’s most expensive purchase had flashes of brilliance.
According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester United are chewing up a deal to sign Reims midfield star Patrick Zabi.
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The Red Devils are in the market to bolster their midfield choices in 2026, with a number of Premier League stars currently on their wish list, including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and more recently Alex Scott.
However, it is understood that the club may be looking to bring in more than one midfielder due to concerns over the futures of Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes, and the club have now identified a potential option to come in for a lower price to bolster the squad.
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Manchester United want ‘new Pogba’ Patrick Zabi
Zabi, who has been described as ‘one of the most exciting midfielders in France’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, currently plays for Reims in Ligue 2 and has attracted interest from several clubs.
Ligue 1 club Paris FC have already had bids rejected for the 19-year-old central midfielder, with their latest offer worth €15 million + €10 million in addition (£13 million + £8,6 million). It is also noted that they may look to return with a new bid this month to get ahead of the competition.
This competition includes Manchester United, who see Zabi as ‘the new Paul Pogba’, while Red Bull are also interested in a deal for the Ivorian, and the player has already held talks with Jürgen Klopp over a move.
Reims have set their asking price for Zabi at €25 million (£21.6 million) with no add-ons, and Man Utd could be looking to get into the fray as well, as they seek reinforcements to try and secure Champions League football next season.
With the managerial situation at Old Trafford far from certain in the run-up to the summer, Man Utd will have to be decisive with any moves they plan to make in the transfer market, and it will have to be a deal that suits whoever comes in.
A player like Zabi, who mixes technical quality with physical attributes, would be a great addition, and as a 19-year-old, he can also be shaped into a quality player for years to come. With United likely to spend a lot of money on at least one midfielder this summer, supplementing this with a cheaper signing for another quality player would be smart business.
Since Paris FC are clearly keeping a close eye on the process, it is also something for Man Utd to keep an eye on, and potentially make their move if the situation calls for it.
