Second Man Utd player joins Sevilla on permanent deal days after Hannibal Mejbri loan

A second Manchester United player has joined Sevilla on a permanent deal following Hannibal Mejbri’s loan deal.

Earlier this week Sevilla announced the signing of United midfielder Hannibal on loan for the rest of the season.

The Tunisian, who is not in his nation’s Africa Cup of Nations squad having opted out of the tournament to secure his club future, joined Sevilla on loan in a deal that includes a £17.2million option to buy.

Hannibal had made 10 appearances for United this season but only started one Premier League game in that time.

And in a matter of days, another United player has followed Hannibal’s lead and joined Sevilla, this time in a permanent deal.

Indeed, 20-year-old Mateo Mejia completed a permanent move to the La Liga side after a four-and-a-half-year spell with United.

Mejia joined United’s academy from hometown club Real Zaragoza in 2019, and despite several injury set-backs, established himself as a regular for the club’s Under-21s, making 15 appearances and scoring against Arsenal and Leicester City last term.

The youngster, who is eligible to represent Colombia through his parents, travelled to the United States as part of United’s youth squad last summer and played in a friendly against League Two side Wrexham.

Mateo, who trained with Erik ten Hag's first team, played 12 times for the Under-21s this season, finding the net three times.

On the move, the club website said: “We'd like to take this opportunity to wish Mateo all the best for the future - we'll be following your career with great interest.”

Meanwhile, Hannibal has spoken about his decision to move to the Andalusian outfit.

The midfielder said via Manchester Evening News: "I like Sevilla's project and I think I can help the team to be better this season. I hope we can advance together and do something important in what's left.

"I have played eleven games this season, I have trained very hard in Manchester and I feel ready to play as soon as the coach decides. I feel good, without injuries and I hope I can stay that way.

"To be honest, I think I can help in any position. As a footballer, the most important thing for me is to play. I can play in any position, although I have to say my preference would be like 8 or like 10, in the centre of the field.

"In any case, I am happy if I am on the field. I think I can help in defence and attack. Everyone likes to score and assist, but the most important thing is to play as a team, defend and attack as a team."