Hannibal Mejbri will reportedly return to Manchester United this summer, with Sevilla not expected to take up their option to sign him on a permanent basis.
A number of clubs were credited with an interest in the Tunisia international during the January transfer window, but it was Sevilla that won the race to sign him on an initial loan deal for the second half of the 2023-24 season.
The La Liga outfit are understood to be able to secure his services on a permanent basis for €20m (£17m), with Man United thought to have a buyback option of around €35m (£30m).
However, according to the Manchester Evening News, it is seen as extremely likely that the midfielder will be returning to his parent club at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
The report claims that 'something drastic' would need to happen for Sevilla to change their stance, with the club thought to have been disappointed with his performances since arriving at Estadio Ramon.
© Reuters
Hannibal left out entirely against Getafe last time out
Hannibal has only made four appearances for Sevilla since his arrival, with his last outing coming against Real Sociedad in La Liga at the start of March.
The 21-year-old was an unused substitute against both Almeria and Celta Vigo before being left out entirely against Getafe on Saturday, suggesting that he is not in the plans of the club moving forward.
A recent report claimed that Man United have been 'angered' by Hannibal's lack of action, with the club believing that he would be handed regular action in Seville.
The midfielder featured on 10 occasions for his parent club in the first half of the 2023-24 campaign, including five appearances in the Premier League, before moving away from Old Trafford in the winter market.
© Reuters
Man United facing Hannibal decision this summer
With a permanent switch to Sevilla seemingly off the cards, Hannibal is set to return to Man United this summer, and the club will then be faced with a big decision over his future.
The youngster arrived at Old Trafford from Monaco in 2019, with the 20-time English champions believed to have beaten a host of clubs to his signature.
Hannibal has featured on 13 occasions for Man United, scoring once, and he has a contract with Erik ten Hag's side until June 2025.
Much will depend on the English club's activity this summer, as Casemiro and Christian Eriksen could both leave, while Sofyan Amrabat is unlikely to be signed on a permanent basis from Fiorentina.
Man United are expected to move for at least one midfielder in the upcoming market, but exits for the likes of Casemiro and Eriksen could potentially open up a spot in the squad for Hannibal, who had a positive spell on loan at Birmingham City during the 2022-23 campaign.
Matt Law
