Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'to trigger Hannibal Mejbri contract extension'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 19 October 2023

Man United 'to trigger Hannibal Mejbri contract extension'

Manchester United reportedly plan to trigger a 12-month extension in the contract of Hannibal Mejbri, who could become a free agent in the summer of 2024.

Manchester United plan to trigger an extension in the contract of midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, according to a report.

The former Monaco starlet is rated highly by head coach Erik ten Hag, who has already offered him four first-team appearances across all tournaments this season.

One of those contests saw Hannibal score his first goal for the club in a 3-1 Premier League loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, and he subsequently played the full 90 in a 1-0 win over Burnley.

The Tunisia international - who already boasts 27 caps for his nation and played one fixture at the 2022 World Cup - has also earned EFL Cup and Champions League starts against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray respectively, although he was taken off at half time in a 3-2 loss to the latter.

Over the summer, Hannibal was being tipped to depart the Red Devils on loan in order to earn regular minutes, as the likes of Antony, Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes were ahead of him in the pecking order.

Manchester United's Hannibal Mejbri pictured on July 18, 2021 © Reuters

Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas were apparently pushing to sign the 20-year-old on a temporary deal after the British transfer window closed, but Hannibal remained at Old Trafford to compete for his spot.

With Sancho and Antony both spending time away from the team owing to off-field problems, and fellow wingers Mount and Amad Diallo both struggling with injuries, Hannibal has been given the chance to prove his worth to Ten Hag.

The playmaker's deal is due to expire next summer, meaning that he could walk away for nothing once the season concludes, but Man United can activate a 12-month extension until 2025.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils are now set to take up that option in order to avoid losing Hannibal for nothing in 2024, but the club will "buy time" over a long-term renewal.

Should the 20-time English champions ultimately decide against tying the Tunisian down for longer, they will still be able to garner a cut-price fee through his sale next year, having spent €10m (£8.7m) to poach him from Monaco in 2019.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on September 26, 2023 © Reuters

Since progressing through the academy ranks, Hannibal has made seven senior appearances for the Red Devils and also shone on loan at Birmingham City last term, amassing one goal and six assists from 41 matches.

The 2003-born attacker is one of six players who currently stand to leave Man United for nothing in 2024, a list which also includes defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof.

However, the Red Devils are also expected to trigger identical extensions in the duo's deals, but the futures of Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans and Anthony Martial remain clouded in uncertainty.

Martial's stay is unlikely to be prolonged amid the Frenchman's repeated struggles for form and fitness, with the Frenchman only managing one goal and one assist in nine outings so far this season.

Man United return to Premier League action following the international break on Saturday, when Sheffield United welcome Ten Hag's team to Bramall Lane for the 8pm fixture.