Fabrizio Romano shares update on Everton pursuit of Manchester United ace Hannibal Mejbri
Fabrizio Romano has shared a fresh Everton update on their attempts to hijack the transfer of Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri’s move to Sevilla.
Writing in his Daily Briefing (15 January), Romano shared that the Toffees were keen on the Old Trafford academy graduate this month but Sevilla’s insistence on the player meant Hannibal was led to join the Spanish side instead.
The Italian transfer guru posted on his Twitter account (15 January) that the midfielder is now set to undergo medical tests in Seville with a €20million (£17.1m) buy option clause set to be sealed on Monday (15 January).
Romano shared on his Daily Briefing regarding Everton’s pursuit: “As I previously mentioned, 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.”
Could have been handy
Mejbri’s decision to join Sevilla on loan, with a buy option clause and a potential buy-back clause, represents a significant blow for Everton.
The 20-year-old midfielder has been highly regarded at Manchester United, and the Toffees’ interest highlighted their ambition to secure his services.
Mejbri, known for his exceptional technical skills, vision and ability to control the midfield, would have brought a dynamic and creative dimension to Sean Dyche’s side.
Most of all his energy, aggression, pressing intensity and tremendous endeavour were traits the Goodison Park crowd will have quickly endeared to and Dyche’s interest in the player certainly made the world of sense.
However, it seems as if Sevilla’s long-term interest and appreciation of the player swang the momentum in their favour so had Everton registered their interest last summer too, Hannibal could well have been undertaking medical tests on Merseyside rather than Seville.
The young talent’s decision to opt for Sevilla, who have a history of nurturing and developing promising talents, showcases the challenge Everton faces in attracting top talents despite their interest.
In other Everton news, a new profit and sustainability breach update has emerged at Goodison Park with possible new prosecutions anticipated on Merseyside.