Romano reveals the key factor in major Man Utd transfer

Tom Weber

• Updated: 15 Jan 2024 16:38 GMT
• 3 min read

Sevilla's long-standing interest was the key reason behind Hannibal Mejbri's decision to snub Everton, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Manchester United's January business has thus far been focused solely on outgoings. After Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho, Hannibal Mejbri has become the latest high-profile Red Devil to depart the club.

The Tunisian, who decided to remain in Europe during the Africa Cup of Nations in order to complete his transfer, has signed for struggling LaLiga side Sevilla in a potentially big-money deal. Mejbri will be on loan with the reigning Europa League champions until the summer when they will have a €20 million option to make his stay permanent.

Reports on whether United managed to include a buy-back clause in the deal for the talented 20-year-old have differed, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that they failed to do so.

Everton, who have now once again been charged by the Premier League with breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules, were also interested in Hannibal, but he decided to head to Spain instead. Romano has revealed why opted for a move to LaLiga over staying in England.

What did Romano say?

“As I previously mentioned," Romano told CaughtOffside, "Everton were also keen on the player and tried to hijack the deal but I’m told Sevilla already wanted him in August, so this insistence made the difference as they really wanted Hannibal strongly.”

“I think this looks like a very good loan for Hannibal at this stage of his career. Sevilla will give him some space, it’s an important club in a difficult situation so some pressure can also help him to grow.”

Hannibal appeared to be on the verge of breaking into Man Utd's starting eleven earlier in the season, but he has mostly been a substitute in recent weeks, so a January exit became increasingly inevitable.