A new Pogba on the horizon – Klopp steals Ivorian striker from Man United

Last spring, Paris returned to Ligue 1 for the first time in almost half a century, but with the world’s richest man Bernard Arnault at the helm, the club from the French capital is unlikely to be satisfied with that alone.

Signs of far greater ambition were on display over the weekend, when Paris knocked out their far more powerful city rivals Paris Saint-Germain from the Coupe de France, yet that appears to be only the beginning. Paris look ready to wage fierce battles with Europe’s biggest clubs, both on the pitch and in the transfer market.

Paris kick out Paris from the cup

In fact, one such battle is already under way — with Manchester United. Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri reports that Paris have set their sights on Reims midfielder Patrick Zabi, a player who is also highly rated at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old, originally from Ivory Coast, plays as a central midfielder and made his debut for the French side last season, though it is only this campaign that he has been given enough minutes to truly prove himself. While his playing time fluctuated during the first half of the season, Zabi featured in 18 matches across all competitions in the autumn, more than enough to attract attention.

Paris were already keen last summer, when Patrick had almost no senior experience, hoping to capitalize on Reims’ relegation by snapping him up. Several offers were sent to the club, but Reims refused to budge.

Now Paris are back, determined to sign the Ivorian talent in whom they see serious potential. And that potential was spotted by none other than Jurgen Klopp. The former Liverpool manager has been working for some time within the Red Bull organization as global sporting director of all clubs owned by the Austrian conglomerate, of which Paris has been a part since November 2024.

According to Tavolieri, acting on Klopp’s directive, Paris made three further attempts to sign Zabi in December alone, but all three bids were rejected by Reims. The latest offer reportedly amounted to 25 million euros in total, with a guaranteed 15 million euros. More will be required. Both Paris and Manchester United — whose sporting department reportedly see Zabi as the new Paul Pogba — will have to dig deeper, the source adds.