Tug of war as Sevilla, Lyon and Freiburg battle for Hannibal
Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is reportedly the subject of loan interest from Sevilla, Lyon and Freiburg, with a mid-season departure on a temporary basis seemingly on the cards.
The 20-year-old has not been named in the Tunisia squad for the Africa Cup of Nations despite featuring on 27 occasions for his national team.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Hannibal will leave Man United on loan in January, with Sevilla, Lyon and Freiburg all keen on his signature.
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Hannibal’s existing deal with Man United is due to expire next June, but the Red Devils are allegedly in discussions with the midfielder over a contract extension.
The youngster arrived at Old Trafford from Ligue 1 side Monaco in 2019, making his first-team debut in 2021 against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
A successful loan spell at Birmingham City during the 2022-23 campaign saw him make 41 appearances, before heading back to his parent club over the summer.
Hannibal has made nine appearances for the Red Devils this season, with five of those outings coming in the Premier League, including featuring as a late substitute against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
The midfielder has only started once in the league this term, though, and Man United are keen for him to continue his development away from the club.
Despite being a regular in the squad in recent weeks, Hannibal could find it difficult to secure action once the club’s injury situation has eased next month.
Casemiro and Mason Mount are both due to return in January, while Kobbie Mainoo is also ahead of Hannibal when it comes to the starting midfield roles at the club.
Man United will be a midfielder down next month, though, as Sofyan Amrabat has been named in the Morocco squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
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Meanwhile, Cameroon have selected Andre Onana, meaning that Altay Bayindir is set for a run between the sticks while the number one is at the competition.
Hannibal will be bidding to keep his spot in the squad when Man United resume their Premier League campaign away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, which will represent the team’s final match of 2023.