Ineos' first Man Utd transfer an upgrade on incompetent Glazers

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 15 Jan 2024 09:22 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United’s new investors ensured that a buy-back clause was attached to the deal seeing Hannibal Mejbri leave on loan to Sevilla, according to reports.

After the initial verbal agreement was reached between the clubs, Ineos requested that a buyback clause be installed in the contract, states Fabrizio Romano.

The move has received a warm reception from those following Man Utd. Traditionally under Glazer ownership, the club are considered to be among the worst recruiters in Europe, often overpaying and letting squad members under their value.

Ineos, whose 25 per cent stake in the Premier League giants was announced on Christmas Eve, are said to be now heading recruitment. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the company’s CEO, is said to be hopeful of nurturing younger talent and bringing the average age of the side down.

The blueprint is a stark change from what the club have been doing before, paying over the odds for older players while handing them bumper contracts.

Hannibal travelled to Spain on Monday night to join Sevilla, snubbing interest from Everton. It’s believed that the option to buy installed in his deal is at around £17.5million.

Hannibal chooses Sevilla

The youngster will join up with former Red Devils striker Mateo Mejia, who has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Sevilla. The 20-year-old, who joined from Monaco, has joined the La Liga side on a free transfer but with a 25 percent sell-on clause.

He has made 10 appearances for Man Utd this season and has been with the club since 2019. He made his senior debut for United in a 2-1 victory against Wolves at Molineux back in 2021.

Indeed, Everton, as well as Lyon and Freiburg, also made inquiries for Hannibal, but he opted to join Sevilla.