Manchester United talent now expected to move to Spain, not Everton

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Manchester United prefer to send Hannibal Mejbri to Sevilla over Everton – and there could be a hefty purchase option involved.

Hannibal Mejbri may have been hoping to nail down a first-team role at Manchester United this season, but it just hasn’t happened.

We have seen bright spots from Hannibal this season; a superb goal against Brighton and Hove Albion, an outstanding display against Burnley.

Minutes have been hard to come by of late though with Hannibal playing just 94 minutes since being hooked at half-time against Galatasaray on October 3rd.

Hannibal needs to be playing and that means a January move is on the cards – and it could yet be a permanent one.

Sevilla nearing deal for Hannibal Mejbri

Reports over the weekend indicated that Sevilla were closing in on signing Hannibal on loan.

A spanner was thrown in the works when Everton made a move of their own, threatening to hijack Sevilla’s move.

The Athletic now have an update, stating that Sevilla are advancing towards a deal to bring Hannibal to Andalusia.

It’s stated that Sevilla’s offer is more attractive, both to United and to Hannibal himself, leaving Everton out in the cold.

The report adds that the deal is now expected to include an option to buy, which would bring a ‘sizeable’ return.

It’s unclear just how much Sevilla would have to pay to sign Hannibal permanently, but United seemingly stand to rake in a considerable amount if the clause is triggered.

The deal is also expected to include a buy-back clause, potentially allowing United to bring Hannibal back to Old Trafford in the future.

United must retain some control over Hannibal future

Buy-back clauses are pretty common in the modern game and we have seen some of United’s Premier League rivals utilising them over the years.

Inserting one into the Hannibal deal is an absolute must for United, just to ensure the possibility of him still having a United future.

Hannibal has shown an all-action streak in his game and he could become a very good box-to-box midfield player with some development and, crucially, more experience.

Still only 20, the Tunisian international should not just be flogged and holding the option to bring him back is vital, just in case he does start to fulfil his potential in Spain.

Everton will be gutted to miss out but United seem happy to let Hannibal go and test himself at Sevilla, with an immediate task facing him – keeping the 16th-place La Liga side away from relegation.