In the final hours of a high-stakes transfer deadline day, Newcastle United has set its sights on one of the most exciting young prospects in European football. Reports coming out of France suggest that the Magpies are aggressively pursuing a deal for Reims midfielder Patrick Zabi.
At just 19 years old, the Ivorian sensation has taken Ligue 1 by storm this season, displaying a level of maturity and physical dominance that has scouts across the continent taking notes. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 3 inches, Zabi possesses a rare combination of raw power and technical elegance, leading many observers to compare his playing style to that of former Manchester United star Paul Pogba.
Newcastle’s interest in Zabi is not merely a passing fancy; the club is reportedly working to finalize a deal that could set a new financial landmark for Reims. Insiders suggest that the transfer fee would likely exceed the €35 million that Paris Saint-Germain paid for Hugo Ekitike, making Zabi the most expensive departure in the history of the French club.
While the price tag is significant, the structure of the deal reveals a strategic long-term vision. The current plan involves signing the player today but allowing him to remain with Reims on loan for the rest of the season. This arrangement would allow the teenager to continue his development with regular first-team minutes before officially arriving at St. James’ Park in the summer of 2026.
Eddie Howe’s desire for a player like Zabi comes at a time when Newcastle’s midfield is facing several challenges. The physical presence that the team once relied upon has been missing in recent months, largely due to the injury and fluctuating form of Joelinton.
The 29-year-old Brazilian has struggled to replicate the powerhouse performances that made him a fan favorite in previous seasons, and his current stint on the sidelines has exposed a lack of depth in the “box-to-box” department. Zabi, with his ability to cover ground, win duels, and transition play quickly from defense to attack, seems perfectly profiled to fill that void.
The comparisons to Paul Pogba are not without merit. Much like the French World Cup winner, Zabi uses his long stride to glide past opponents and his physical frame to protect the ball in tight spaces.
This season, he has already racked up 21 appearances, contributing two goals and three assists—a solid return for a central midfielder primarily tasked with controlling the tempo of the game.
Beyond the numbers, it is his “ball-playing” ability that has caught the eye of the Newcastle recruitment team. He isn’t just a physical enforcer; he is a creative outlet who can unlock defenses with a single pass.
While the pursuit of Zabi represents a look toward the future, Newcastle has also spent the day defending its current assets. Rumors surfaced earlier that Arsenal was preparing a shock move for Sandro Tonali, but those claims were quickly dismissed by the Tyneside hierarchy.
Tonali remains a non-negotiable part of Howe’s starting eleven, and the club was quick to label the reports as “rubbish.” By keeping Tonali and chasing a talent like Zabi, the Magpies are sending a clear message: they are no longer a club that sells its best players to rivals, but rather one that builds for sustained dominance.
Securing a player of Zabi’s caliber would be a significant coup for sporting director Ross Wilson. It signals that Newcastle is still a primary destination for the world’s best young talent, despite the strict financial regulations that have slowed their spending in other areas.
The prospect of a four or five-year contract suggests that the club views Zabi as a foundational piece of their midfield for years to come.
As the 11:00 PM deadline approaches, the focus remains on getting the paperwork over the line. If Newcastle can successfully navigate the complexities of this record-breaking deal, they will have secured a player who offers both immediate hope and long-term potential.
For the fans, the “Ivorian Pogba” represents the kind of ambitious, high-ceiling signing that reflects the club’s new era. While they may have to wait until the summer to see him pull on the black and white stripes, the groundwork being laid today could define the team’s success for the next decade.
