Transfer Centre

Erik ten Hag coy on Hannibal Mejbri future amid loan talk

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 January 2024

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag refuses to rule out a loan departure for Hannibal Mejbri during the January transfer window.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag refused to rule out a loan departure for Hannibal Mejbri when questioned on the midfielder during Friday's press conference.

Everton and Sevilla are seemingly locked in a battle to sign the Tunisia international, who recently extended his contract at Old Trafford until June 2025, for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign.

Ten Hag was asked about the 20-year-old during his press conference to preview Sunday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, but the Dutchman was coy when it came to his future.

"When we have the news, we will tell you," the Dutchman told reporters.

Hannibal has played 11 times for Man United this season, scoring once, while he has featured in two of his side's last four Premier League matches.

Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri on July 19, 2023 © Reuters

The imminent returns of Casemiro and Mason Mount have led to suggestions that Hannibal will struggle for action in the second half of the season, with the club therefore deciding to section a loan exit.

However, Ten Hag played down rumours that the returns of midfielders from injuries would lead to Hannibal departing, claiming that it will take time for those who have been on the sidelines to find their peak fitness again.

"No, it's not... they are returning, you are a step ahead. When I talk about Licha [Lisandro] Martinez returning, Casemiro returning for instance, they were a long time away," he told reporters.

"Mason Mount will return but take a little bit longer. There are some more, Tyrell Malacia will return as well, Victor Lindelof is also on his way back, but it still takes some weeks. It takes time to get back in match fitness."

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reacts on December 26, 2023 © Reuters

Hannibal was a late substitute against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Monday night, but he is unlikely to be in the squad against Spurs, with Christian Eriksen also set to return following an illness.

Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Antony and Amad Diallo are all in line to return to the squad on Sunday alongside Casemiro.

Everton boss Sean Dyche has allegedly made Hannibal a leading target for the January market, and it is thought that Man United want him to remain in the Premier League.

However, a recent report claimed that Sevilla believe they have a 'verbal pact' with the Tunisia international, who has featured on 13 occasions for his current side in all competitions.

There have also been suggestions that Sevilla are looking to include a purchase option in the deal, which could lead to Man United insisting that a buyback clause is a part of the arrangement.