Fabrizio Romano: Burnley reach “verbal agreement” with Man United to sign Hannibal Mejbri | OneFootball

Burnley have reached a “verbal agreement” with Manchester United to sign midfielder Hannibal Mejbri on a loan deal with an obligation to buy, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

The Italian transfer guru revealed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the deal between the two clubs was “done” with the 21-year-old due to undergo “medical tests” today.

Tweet: “Burnley have reached verbal agreement to sign Hannibal Mejbri from Manchester United. Medical tests taking place today as club to club deal done on loan with mandatory buy clause. Almost there.”

United have been looking to sell Mejbri this transfer window as the midfielder’s contract at Old Trafford has only twelve months remaining on it. From January, the 21-year-old would be able to speak to prospective new clubs over a free transfer next summer.

Mejbri has firmly fallen down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag in recent times despite some promising displays towards the beginning of last season. The Tunisian international produced a performance Ten Hag described as “perfect” at Turf Moor during United’s 0-1 win against Burnley in September 2023.

It felt like a potential breakthrough moment for Mejbri under the Dutchman but, as the season progressed, it became clear it was a false dawn.

The 21-year-old was subsequently loaned to Sevilla in January after rarely featuring for United over the Christmas period as he chased more meaningful first-team opportunities. Everton were also reported to be interested in Mejbri but he ultimately chose a move to Spain over the chance to remain in the North West of England.

It proved a poor choice, however, with Mejbri rarely featuring for his newly adopted side following public issues with manager Quique Sanchez Flores. The Tunisian would only play six times in La Liga across four months.

Mejbri returned to Old Trafford at the end of the season and was included in the club’s pre-season tour of America, but there was acceptance amongst United’s executive branch a permanent exit this summer was the best course of action.

There was thought to be interest from the Old Firm rivalry with both Celtic and Rangers reported to be considering moves for the midfielder.

However, as relayed by The Peoples Person earlier this month, it was Championship side Burnley who were at the front of the queue for the 21-year-old – the memories of his impressive performance at Turf Moor last season likely to still be fresh in their minds.

While United were prioritising a permanent transfer for Mejbri, given his contractual situation, Romano reveals a loan with a “mandatory buy clause” has been agreed with Burnley.

This style of arrangement ensures the Red Devils will receive a transfer fee for their academy graduate but also allows the Championship side to defer payment until next summer, likely helping their financial fair play calculations for this year.

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