Sevilla FC has successfully secured a loan deal from Manchester United for the acquisition of the talented 20-year-old French-born Tunisian international midfielder, Hannibal Mejbr. The agreement spans until the conclusion of the season, accompanied by an option to make the transfer permanent.
Mejbr, who showcased his skills on the international stage during the 2022 World Cup, arrives at Sevilla FC during a challenging period in the season. Marcelino's squad is currently grappling with a string of less-than-ideal results, having secured just one victory in their last five La Liga matches, positioning them precariously just one spot above the relegation zone.
Born in Ivry-sur-Seine, Mejbr commenced his football journey at the age of nine within Paris FC's academy. His talents quickly garnered attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. After a brief stint at AC Boulogne-Billancourt, he further honed his skills in AS Monaco's academy.
At the age of 16, Mejbr made a significant move to Manchester United ahead of the 2019/20 season. His breakthrough came in the subsequent season, where he not only played for the under-18 and under-23 sides but also earned his first-team debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
During the 2021/22 season, Mejbr demonstrated his prowess with eleven appearances for Manchester United's reserves, contributing with a goal and four assists. He also had a successful loan spell at Birmingham City in the Championship during the 2022/23 season, amassing 41 appearances, one goal, and six assists.
Internationally, after representing France at the under-16 and under-17 levels, Mejbr embraced the call-up to the Tunisian national team in 2021, reflecting his parents' native roots. His notable international appearances include the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, where Tunisia finished as runners-up, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he featured in the group stage against Denmark.
Sevilla FC anticipates that Mejbr's arrival will inject fresh talent and energy into the team, contributing to their efforts to navigate through the challenges of the season and potentially secure a permanent spot for the promising midfielder in the future.
(With Agency Inputs)