Some breaking news to share from France on deadline day regarding a potential under-the-radar incoming.
It may be a signing for the future, be it next season or years down the line, but reports on the continent suggest Reims star Patrick Zabi is on his way to Newcastle United.
This comes from French outlet So Foot, who claim that the 19-year-old midfielder is expected to sign a ‘long term’ contract on Tyneside following talks today.
They state that Newcastle chiefs have been in France on Monday afternoon to finalise the terms of a permanent transfer, on the basis he is loaned back to Reims for the remainder of the season as they look to gain promotion back to Ligue 1.
Should the deal go ahead, it’s claimed the 6ft 3′ Ivorian will sign a four or five years deal at St James’ Park.
The details of any potential transfer fee are not revealed in the article, but they do speculate that it could be a record fee for Ligue 2, and may even surpass the £30m PSG paid for Hugo Ekitike (formerly of Reims) back in 2022.
It may not be a signing for the here and now, but after we were tipped to widen our scouting circles and recruit lesser-known gems following Ross Wilson’s arrival, Zabi may be a smart addition if a deal can be wrapped up in time.