Everton transfers: More contacts for Hannibal Mejbri deal as player preference emerges – Fabrizio Romano
Everton are set to hold further talks with Hannibal Mejbri about signing him on loan after it emerged his preference is Sevilla, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Writing in his daily update on Substack (10 January), the reliable transfer journalist reports that the Tunisia international’s preference is a move to La Liga but Everton want to keep trying until the end.
More contacts will be had in the next hours to convince him of a move to Goodison Park, with Romano stating that it’s going to be an “important week” for the deal.
“I think it’s an important week for Hannibal loan decision. Sevilla keep pushing to have him, they are favourites but Everton want to try until the end,” he wrote.
“More contacts will follow in the next hours to make final decision.”
Push
Hannibal is a supremely talented footballer and one thing that Sean Dyche will love about him is his versatility.
Capable of playing in deeper central midfield role, as a number ten or out on the wings he has got excellent ability on the ball, but he’s also incredibly tenacious and comfortable with getting physical to win the ball back.
With boundless energy too he suits the way that Dyche is looking to play at Everton and with Idrissa Gueye looking his age in recent months, he could be a great replacement for the Senegalese star.
However James Garner and Amadou Onana have those deeper roles secured with Abdoulaye Doucoure a key man ahead of them, so game time may be difficult to come across which is probably why he prefers Sevilla right now.
It will take some convincing to get a deal over the line, but if Everton manage to do it then it will be a real coup to bring Hannibal to the club.
In other Everton news, club open to offers for first-team ace as transfer twist emerges.