Man Utd insert two secret clauses in Hannibal Mejbri loan deal with Sevilla
Manchester United have inserted two secret clauses in their deal with Sevilla for Hannibal Mejbri.
The midfielder is set to seal a short-term loan move away from United in the coming days in search of regular first-team football.
Hannibal forced his way into Erik ten Hag's plans earlier this season after injuries to Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen.
He even scored his first Premier League goal in September's 3-1 defeat to Brighton.
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Ten Hag went as far as calling Hannibal's performance in a 1-0 win over Burnley later that month as 'perfect'.
He said: "You have so many injuries. You bring players in like [Rasmus] Holjund and you can’t bring them in slowly. They’re not used to playing together. Like Hannibal who did a perfect job. Hopefully, it gives us confidence."
Despite that, he's seen his game time decrease dramatically following Kobbie Mainoo's emergence and a string of underwhelming performances, notably against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
The 20-year-old even turned down a call-up to Tunisia's Africa Cup of Nations squad this month to finalise a move away.
He's decided on a move to La Liga, although Everton were keen to keep him in the Premier League.
Per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, there will be a buy option as well as a buyback option included in any deal.
He tweeted: "Sevilla keep pushing for Hannibal to agree and respect verbal pact as they want him on loan from Man United, as well as Everton.
"Buy option and buy back clause also confirmed as part of a potential deal."
United have already been active in the transfer window regarding exits.
Donny van de Beek joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan last week, while Jadon Sancho re-joined Borussia Dortmund for the rest of the season on Thursday.
The Red Devils also activated a break clause in Sergio Reguilon's loan deal, sending the defender back to Tottenham Hotspur.
United return to action against Spurs on Sunday evening and may have Lisandro Martinez available once again.
The Argentina defender has been out since September after undergoing foot surgery.
It's thought midfield duo Casemiro and Mason Mount will be back from long-term layoffs later this month.
Topics: Hannibal Mejbri, Manchester United, Premier League, Sevilla
Daniel Marland