Patrick Zabi: Man United’s transfer plan under threat from old foe | OneFootball

Manchester United are interested in signing Patrick Zabi, with the club believing the 19-year-old Stade de Reims midfielder resembles a former Red Devil, according to a new update.

Red-hot race for Zabi

Zabi is emerging as one of the “top prospects” in France after an impressive season in Ligue 2, the country’s second division.

The Ivorian midfielder is an absolute powerhouse, despite his young age, already standing 6’3 with outstanding strength and speed. However, he is technically gifted as well, capable of pinging pinpoint passes first time and going past players with surprising agility for a midfielder of his size.

In just eight starts in his debut campaign, he has already scored one and provided two assists, showcasing an ability to be decisive in the final third.

Sacha Tavolieri reveals this profile – a tall, powerful box-to-box midfielder with good dribbling — has led United scouts to draw a comparison with Paul Pogba, the club’s record signing, who is now currently playing for AS Monaco.

The Sky Sports reporter confirms United’s interest in the youngster, but states the Mancuniansare not alone, with Ligue 1 side Paris FC having already tabled three offers last month.

Translated Tweet: “EXCLUSIVE – Paris FC on Patrick Zabi! Three offers were made in December, the last of which was € 15M + € 10M in bonuses. PFC could return with another offer this winter. Report commissioned by Red Bull: Zabi has already spoken to Jürgen Klopp. Stade de Reims wants a package worth €25M. Man Utd are also interested in Zabi and see him as the new Pogba.”

United would have little trouble convincing the Ivorian to choose Manchester over Paris, but a much bigger threat is posed in Germany.

An old foe

Tavolieri reveals Jürgen Klopp – Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, and former Liverpool manager – has been in direct contact with Zabi.

The Red Bull clubs, Leipzig and Salzburg, are famed for securing excellent young talents from across Europe on cheap deals, before later flipping them for huge profits. United fans need look no further than Benjamin Sesko for an example of this model, signed by Leipzig from Salzburg for €24 million in 2023 before joining the Red Devils for €85m two years later.

If Zabi were to follow this path – joining Salzburg in the Austrian league before progressing to the Bundesliga with Leipzig – it would be a well-travelled one for young players, with a track record of success. The fact it is a legendary figure like Klopp personally pushing for the 19-year-old to do so only strengthens the proposal.

Stade de Reims are understood to be asking for a total package worth €25m, with Paris FC’s final offer reaching this threshold, though it comprises a €15m base fee with €10m in bonuses. Red Bull are not thought to have tabled a bid yet, though negotiations directly with Klopp indicate one will come soon.

United will have to act quickly and turn their interest into a tangible offer if they are to bring the “new Pogba” to Old Trafford this month.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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