Man Utd kiss goodbye to one summer transfer already after £21.5m deal | Football | Sport

Manchester United have reportedly missed out on 19 year old midfielder Patrick Zabi, who is poised to seal a switch to Paris FC. According to French reports, United were amongst a clutch of top European clubs monitoring the Stade de Reims midfielder.

However, the Ligue 1 outfit have emerged victorious in the race for his signature in a deal valued at €25million (£21.5m), with the transfer set to be completed in the summer. Zabi has earned considerable praise since making his senior debut as an 18-year-old last February, going on to rack up 24 first-team appearances, netting twice and registering three assists. L’Equipe claims Paris pipped United and fellow Premier League sides Newcastle and Bournemouth to secure his services.

The youngster also attracted attention from Italian trio Inter Milan, AC Milan and Fiorentina. Whilst his next destination has yet to be officially confirmed, the report suggests it’s merely a formality.

Journalist Sascha Tavolieri indicated that an intervention from Jurgen Klopp influenced Zabi’s decision to agree terms with the French side, who currently occupy 14th position in France’s top division.

Paris, who are based just a stone’s throw from reigning French champions and Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, were acquired by the Arnault family in 2024, who topped the list of the world’s wealthiest billionaires in the same year.

The deal included a minority stake for Red Bull, overseen by former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. The German has transitioned into an advisory position as their Head of Global Soccer, where he assists in their expansion and progress.

Consequently, it has been suggested the former manager has been instrumental in beating the likes of United and Newcastle to secure his services. As the transfer window drew to a close, United interim boss Michael Carrick kept the door ajar for potential new arrivals, despite his temporary position.

He said: “To be honest, we’re just working through it. Never say never, of course because a lot can happen and situations can be thrown up sometimes.

“Sometimes it’s something that’s out of our control that we’ve got to deal with. We’re calm. We’ve shown what we’re capable of doing as a team and we’ll just have to see what the next few days bring, but I’m calm about it.”