Ugarte unlocked? Man Utd star seals permanent transfer - Romano

Tom Weber

Updated: 26 Aug 2024 18:01 BST
3 min read

Manuel Ugarte, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is set to join Burnley, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Tunisian appeared to be on the verge of establishing himself as a regular fixture in Man Utd's team at one point last season but Erik ten Hag ultimately banished Hannibal back to the bench in favour of other options.

In January, the 21-year-old joined Sevilla on loan in a bid for consistent minutes. However, he didn't fare much better in Spain. In fact, his transfer quickly turned into a nightmare.

Just a week into his stint in LaLiga, Hannibal was removed from the first team and only gradually brought back into the fold. Unsurprisingly, Sevilla opted not to make his stay permanent, leaving the midfielder in limbo.

Now, his uncertain future has been resolved.

Hannibal set for Burnley

The youngster previously played his best football on loan at then-Championship side Birmingham City and he is now set to return to the second tier of English football to revive his career.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Tunisian is on the verge of completing a transfer to relegated Burnley. Intriguingly, it was initially thought that the deal would be a loan but the Italian transfer expert reports that it will actually be a permanent move.

Romano states Man Utd requested the structure of the transfer be changed so as to allow them to immediately receive a fee for Hannibal. The Red Devils, of course, are trying to raise the necessary funds to sign Manuel Ugarte from PSG.

It is expected that Ugarte's arrival will initially be on loan, but Man Utd have already spent big this summer - potentially beyond their means - and are desperately trying to offload players.

While Hannibal's departure is unlikely to free up the funds to match PSG's €60 million asking price for the Uruguayan, Scott McTominay could yet depart too in a deal with Napoli potentially worth €30m, which could change the picture significantly.