TRANSFER SAGA UPDATE: Manchester United Edge Rivals in Pursuit of £60m Midfield Prodigy as Carrick Eyes First January Addition
Manchester United have reportedly made significant strides in the race to sign highly rated teenage midfielder Patrick Zabi, emerging ahead of domestic rivals Manchester City and Chelsea in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive transfer battles of the winter window.
The 19-year-old Stade de Reims talent has attracted widespread attention across Europe, with United now strongly positioned as a leading contender after progress was made on personal terms.
Zabi, who has been turning heads with his performances in France, is increasingly regarded as one of the brightest young midfield prospects in Ligue 2. Despite his age, the Ivorian has already established himself as a dominant presence in the middle of the park, combining physical authority with technical finesse.
Standing at an imposing 6’3”, he boasts exceptional strength and pace, yet what truly sets him apart is his composure on the ball and ability to operate comfortably in possession.
Scouts have highlighted his knack for playing sharp, first-time passes, driving forward with purpose, and gliding past opponents with surprising agility for a player of his stature.
In just eight league starts during his breakthrough campaign, Zabi has already contributed one goal and two assists, underlining his capacity to influence games at both ends of the pitch.
According to respected journalist Sacha Tavolieri, this rare blend of power, dribbling ability, and box-to-box energy has prompted Manchester United scouts to draw parallels with a familiar figure at Old Trafford — Paul Pogba.
The comparison is based not only on physical traits but also on Zabi’s confidence in possession and his ability to progress the ball through midfield.
Pogba, once United’s record signing, is now plying his trade at AS Monaco, but the stylistic echoes remain striking.
United’s interest, however, is far from exclusive. Paris FC have already made multiple attempts to secure Zabi’s signature, submitting three bids in December alone.
Their most recent proposal reportedly reached a total value of €25 million, structured as a €15 million upfront payment with an additional €10 million in performance-related bonuses. Stade de Reims are believed to value the midfielder at around that figure and remain open to negotiations.
Complicating matters further is the growing interest from the Red Bull football network. Tavolieri revealed that Jürgen Klopp, now serving as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull following his departure from Liverpool, has personally held discussions with Zabi.
Clubs such as RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig are renowned for their ability to attract elite young talents, develop them, and later sell them on for substantial profits — a pathway that has proven highly successful for numerous players.
The Red Bull model presents a compelling alternative, especially with Klopp’s influence adding weight to the proposal.
While no formal bid has yet been submitted by Salzburg or Leipzig, talks behind the scenes suggest an official move could arrive soon.
For United supporters, the concern is familiar: acting too slowly could allow another club to seize the initiative.
Nevertheless, Manchester United are believed to hold a strong advantage in convincing Zabi himself, with Old Trafford’s global profile and long-term sporting vision proving attractive.
With Michael Carrick eager to stamp his authority early in his interim tenure, United may soon accelerate their efforts to convert interest into a concrete offer.
Should they succeed, Zabi would represent not just a statement signing for January, but a long-term investment in a midfielder many believe could develop into one of Europe’s best and potentially justify comparisons to some of the game’s elite enforcers and playmakers.
