Manchester United will reportedly look to sign 19-year-old Ivorian midfielder Patrick Zabi from Ligue 2 club Stade Reims.
According to an update by Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Patrick Zabi is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder this year. So, the 19-year-old Stade Reims wonderkid has emerged as a target for the Premier League outfit.
The Ivorian midfield sensation is also a target for Paris FC, and they have already failed with three offers to sign the youngster. Meanwhile, Stade Reims will demand around €25 million to part ways with Zabi, with Manchester United viewing him as the “new Pogba”.
Who is Patrick Zabi?
Patrick Zabi is the latest promising prodigy to rise in prominence at a French club. Born in Yopougon, the teenage prospect spent most of his formative years thus far in the Ivory Coast and graduated from the youth division at Ivoire Football Club before moving to France by joining Stade Reims in January 2025.
The 19-year-old has broken into the first-team squad at Stade Reims, and he has been a regular in the middle of the park for the Ligue 2 outfit this season. Zabi has amassed nearly 1,000 minutes of game time across 18 appearances in all competitions thus far, while chipping in with two goals and three assists. Meanwhile, Zabi’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, including Manchester United.
Premier League move for the “new Pogba” soon?
Manchester United’s interest in Patrick Zabi is understandable. The Red Devils have focused on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing promising prodigies since INEOS took over the sporting project a few years ago. The midfield unit, in particular, has witnessed many new arrivals, with Sekou Kone on the cusp of breaking into the first-team squad.
Additionally, Cristian Orozco is on the cusp of completing his move to Manchester United, and recent reports have linked them with several other midfield prodigies. Zabi has now emerged as a viable target for the Premier League bigwigs, and they view him as the “new Pogba”.
Manchester United’s assessment of Zabi’s qualities means he may become a long-term solution in the middle of the park for the Red Devils. However, Paris FC will compete with Manchester United for the 19-year-old Stade Reims midfielder’s signature after failing with three bids. Meanwhile, the French club will demand around €25 million to part ways with the 19-year-old Ivorian prodigy.