On Monday afternoon, a surprise report emerged from France regarding Newcastle’s late push to sign Reims sensation Patrick Zabi.
The French outlet, So Foot, stated that Toon chiefs had been attempting to finalise a deal with the Ligue 2, claiming a deal was close to see the 19-year-old sign a long-term deal on Tyneside before returning to Reims on loan for the remainder of 2025/26.
The Mail’s Craig Hope backed up much of these claims, confirming that Newcastle spent Monday night ‘pushing’ to sign the highly-rated Ivory Coast midfielder.
He did warn that sources close to the deal were unsure if a move would be wrapped up before last night’s 7pm deadline, and that proved to be the case.
The North East reporter also hints that, much like Jeremy Jacquet’s proposed move to Liverpool that will officially go ahead in June, Newcastle could still look to agree the structure of a deal for Zabi now, with a summer switch in mind.
Hope reports that the tall Ivorian is very much ‘seen as a player for the future’, suggesting he could be the latest project signing and the first ‘hidden gem’ recruited since Ross Wilson’s arrival as sporting director.
‘One to watch’ was also the message from Sky Sports’ Pete Graves, who has also confirmed Newcastle are ‘big admirers’ the 6ft 3′ talent who has bagged three goals and two assists in 21 appearances this season.
⏳ Important to stress on some deals like this, like Jeremy Jacquet to Liverpool, there is no deadline per se if structured for the summer. https://t.co/KyzqGOyzOn
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) February 2, 2026
