Fabrizio Romano has disclosed that Hannibal Mejbri is considering extending his time at Old Trafford, and Manchester United plans to make him an offer that, if accepted, will scuttle any hopes of moving him to a Champions League team.
The 20-year-old aggressive midfielder has started both of United’s most recent games, which have both resulted in victories for the Red Devils.
Hannibal has brought much-needed vitality to the center of the field, and Casemiro, who earlier in the season appeared to be overworked, has less work to do thanks to his robust tackling and no-nonsense attitude.
The international from Tunisia spent the previous campaign on loan at Birmingham City in the Championship. The midfielder seemed to have benefited greatly from the stint, which allowed him to accumulate the necessary amount of consistent playing time for his growth.
At the end of the season, Man Utd’s current contract with Hannibal will expire. Despite having a club option for an additional year, the Red Devils’ intentions go considerably deeper than that.
Fabrizio Romano claims that United “plan to offer” their successful midfielder a new deal. Romano emphasized that discussions “could start soon” on that front.
Spain, and more specifically Seville, won’t welcome the development with open arms.
In fact, according to Romano, Sevilla considered signing Hannibal during the summer, and their interest has persisted despite the summer transfer season having long since closed.
Sevilla’s start to the current campaign has been shaky, with just two victories in eight games played in all competitions. This includes a discouraging 1-1 Champions League draw at home against the French team Lens.
According to reports in Spain, Sevilla is hoping that a splash in the winter window can improve the team’s season in the second half of the season. Romano says it’s unlikely they’ll be able to sign Hannibal, though.
Regarding the player’s position on signing new contracts, Romano said Hannibal is only concerned with having the biggest influence possible while moving up the midfield hierarchy.
Romano stated, though, that Hannibal is “open” to speaking with United about a new contract later this year (2023).
