There could be quite a lot of these before the end of the summer transfer window, but Hannibal has kicked it off with an emotional goodbye message to Manchester United.
Hannibal is set to move to Burnley on a permanent transfer after nearly five years at Manchester United.
While it was initially reported to be a loan deal with an obligation to buy, United requested a change to make it a permanent move right away to receive funds now.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
With that, the Tunisian ends his stay at Old Trafford with a feeling of unfulfilled potential as he was a highly rated prospect when he came.
Hannibal announces Manchester United exit
Even before United announced the move, Hannibal went on Instagram to declare his departure from the club with a heartfelt post.
He said “Thank you” to the club before posting an emotional message which read the following:
“It has been an honour to represent this incredible club for the last five years. I leave with so many special memories. Making my debut, scoring at Old Trafford, and representing United in the Champions League.
“I’ll be forever grateful to the many staff and players who have helped me to develop as a player and grow from the boy to the man I am today.”
Responses flooded in immediately, headlined by Alejandro Garnacho, who arrived in the spending spree of which Hannibal was the crown jewel.
Garnacho gave him his best wishes, writing, “Good luck my bro” with three heart emojis. Alvaro Fernandez, another of that spending spree, now at Benfica, replied with a heart emoji and a fire emoji.
Academy product Sam Mather said, “Good luck my boy”, while emerging superstar Jack Fletcher replied with two clapping emojis.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who also left United this summer for West Ham United said, “All the best bro”, among others’ reactions.
Hannibal will be one to watch
It didn’t work out for him at Manchester United for various reasons, but you don’t get tipped to follow in Kylian Mbappe’s footsteps at Monaco without the coaches seeing something special.
The irresistible Bruno Fernandes ended six careers at Old Trafford, and Hannibal was one of those unlucky players.
However, with consistent minutes at Burnley, he will undoubtedly be one to watch, especially if he can return to the Premier League next season and play a big part in the promotion.
Hannibal has prior Championship experience too, as he spent a season on loan at Birmingham where he earned fan-favourite status with his heart-on-the-sleeve style of play.
Of all the players United have sold this season, he has the most potential to become a superstar in the future if things break right for him. (Excluding Mason Greenwood, who’s unlikely to ever return to Old Trafford).
If that happens, there’s a sell-on clause United will benefit from. Who knows, maybe that clause ends up giving them a discount when they buy him back!
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