Jurgen Klopp talks underway to hijack Man United deal to sign ‘the new Paul Pogba’
Manchester United are facing a fight on their hands to sign a player seen as the next Paul Pogba.
Pogba cost Man United around £89million in 2016, having left the Red Devils on a free transfer four years earlier.
The midfielder was an incredibly decisive figure during his six years at Old Trafford, but many now appreciate his talent, which the midfield now lacks.
Manuel Ugarte has been berated for his Man United performances this season, with the Uruguay international often a source of huge frustration.
The more talented Kobbie Mainoo was left out of the team under Ruben Amorim, but he may now be granted a chance after the Portuguese manager was dismissed.
Jurgen Klopp and Man United to battle for talented youngster
A fight is reportedly forming for the signature of 19-year-old Stade de Reims midfielder Patrick Zabi.
The Ivorian teenager has made 15 appearances in Ligue 2 this season, having arrived at the French club in 2025 from Ivoire FC.
| Patrick Zabi | Ligue 2 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 15 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Successful dribbles | 13 |
| Recoveries | 80 |
| Duels won | 45 |
Sacha Tavolieri reported on Wednesday that three offers were made for Zabi in December, with the latest appearing to have come from Paris FC.
That offer was worth around £13m with £8.6m worth of bonuses, with Reims hoping to secure a similar package with presumably more up front.
The Red Bull group of clubs, led by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, are also interested in the midfielder, with the German having already spoken to him.
But Man United are hoping to steal Zabi away from the other interested parties, with decision-makers at Old Trafford seeing the 19-year-old as “the new Pogba”.
Who is Patrick Zabi?
It is immediately easy to see why Zabi has been compared to Pogba. The pair share a similar gait, and that nonchalant way of dribbling.
In his passing, the talent becomes clear. He operates at the base of his team’s midfield, orchestrating attacks and getting involved at his own will.
Tall and long-legged, Zabi also excels defensively, diving in to poke the ball away and jumping highest to win aerial challenges.
Of course, he is raw, but the midfielder is not attracting such a calibre of club for no good reason.