Manchester United had been linked with a highly-rated defensive midfielder, but reports suggest they have missed out altogether, as even a summer transfer is off the cards
12:16, 04 Feb 2026Updated 12:20, 04 Feb 2026
Manchester United reportedly missed out on 19-year-old Patrick Zabi(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United were reportedly beaten to the signature of 19-year-old midfielder Patrick Zabi as he is set to complete a move to Paris FC.
According to reports in France, United were among the host of elite European clubs eyeing the Stade de Rems midfielder. However, the Ligue 1 side have won the race to sign him in a deal worth €25million (£21.5m), which will see him officially join the club in the summer.
Zabi comes highly-rated after making his debut as an 18-year-old last February, he has since charted 24 first-team appearances, scoring twice and providing three assists.
In a report from L’Equipe, Paris beat United and their Premier League rivals Newcastle and Bournemouth to his signature.
Meanwhile, Zabi also caught the glare of Italian trio Inter Milan, AC Milan and Fiorentina. His next move is yet to be confirmed, but the report claims it is simply a matter of time.
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Journalist Sacha Tavolieri suggested an intervention from Jurgen Klopp swayed Zabi to sign terms with the French club, who sit 14th in France’s top-flight.
Paris, who play a stone’s throw away from the reigning French champions and Champions League holders, Paris Saint-Germain, were taken over by the Arnault family in 2024 and topped the list of richest billionaire’s in the same year,
The acquisition saw a minority stake for Red Bull which fell under the remit of former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The German moved into an advisory role as their Head of Global Soccer which sees him help in their growth and development.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp appeared to impact the potential signing for Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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As a result, it has been said the former manager has played a role in gazumping the likes of United and Newcastle for his signature.
Towards the end of the transfer window, United caretaker manager Michael Carrick didn’t close the door on potential additions, despite not being in permanent charge.
However, no movement was forthcoming and he will go into the second half of the season with the same squad in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
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.”