Burnley Agree £9.5 Million Deal to Sign Hannibal Mejbri from Manchester United

Burnley Football Club is set to complete a significant signing as they agree on a £9.5 million deal to secure the services of Hannibal Mejbri from Manchester United. The 21-year-old Tunisian international midfielder, known for his creativity and tenacity, is expected to add a new dimension to Burnley’s midfield as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

The agreement between Burnley and Manchester United comes after several weeks of negotiations, with Burnley manager Vincent Kompany identifying Mejbri as a key target to bolster his team’s midfield options. The deal, valued at £9.5 million, includes additional performance-related bonuses and a sell-on clause, which could see Manchester United benefit further if Mejbri thrives at Turf Moor.

Hannibal Mejbri, who joined Manchester United from AS Monaco in 2019 for an initial fee of €10 million, has developed into one of the most promising young talents in European football. However, with fierce competition for places at Old Trafford, the decision was made to allow Mejbri to move on to a club where he could secure more regular first-team football.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, who has been keen to inject youth and dynamism into his squad, sees Mejbri as a vital addition. The young midfielder’s ability to operate in various roles across the midfield makes him an attractive option for Kompany, who is looking to build a versatile and dynamic team capable of competing in the Premier League.

“Hannibal is a player with great potential and the kind of drive and energy we want at Burnley,” Kompany said. “He has shown his quality at Manchester United and on the international stage with Tunisia. I believe he will fit in perfectly with the ethos and style of play we are developing here.”

Kompany’s admiration for Mejbri is well-known, with the former Manchester City captain having followed the youngster’s progress closely. The Belgian manager is confident that Mejbri’s technical skills, combined with his work ethic, will make him a key figure in Burnley’s midfield as they aim to establish themselves in the Premier League.

Hannibal Mejbri’s journey to the Premier League has been marked by his rapid development and versatility. Born in Ivry-sur-Seine, France, Mejbri began his youth career at Paris FC before moving to AC Boulogne-Billancourt and later AS Monaco. His performances at the youth level caught the attention of Manchester United, who signed him in 2019.

At Manchester United, Mejbri progressed through the ranks, making his first-team debut in 2021. He gained further experience during a successful loan spell at Birmingham City in the 2022-2023 season, where he made 38 appearances in the Championship, scoring one goal and providing five assists. His performances earned him praise for his technical ability, vision, and combativeness in midfield.

Mejbri has also been a regular for the Tunisian national team, representing his country in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His international experience has further enhanced his reputation as a talented and hardworking midfielder.

For Manchester United, the decision to allow Mejbri to leave was not taken lightly. Erik ten Hag, the United manager, had high hopes for Mejbri but recognized that the player’s development would be best served by regular first-team football, something that was not guaranteed at Old Trafford given the depth of talent in United’s midfield.

“Hannibal is a talented young player with a bright future ahead of him,” ten Hag stated. “We believe this move to Burnley will provide him with the opportunity to develop further and showcase his abilities in the Premier League. We will be following his progress closely and wish him all the best.”

Manchester United’s football director, John Murtough, was instrumental in the negotiations and ensured that the deal included favorable terms for United, including a sell-on clause that would benefit the club if Mejbri’s value increases in the future.

The news of Hannibal Mejbri’s move to Burnley has generated significant interest among fans of both clubs. Burnley supporters have expressed excitement about the signing, seeing Mejbri as a statement of intent from the club as they look to establish themselves in the top flight. Manchester United fans, while sad to see a promising talent depart, have largely supported the move, recognizing the importance of regular playing time for Mejbri’s development.

Social media has been abuzz with reactions from fans and pundits alike, with many highlighting Mejbri’s potential to become a key player for Burnley. The young midfielder’s combative style and creative flair have already made him a fan favorite at the international level, and Burnley fans are eager to see him bring those qualities to Turf Moor.

As the deal nears completion, Hannibal Mejbri is expected to undergo a medical at Burnley in the coming days before signing a long-term contract with the club. His arrival is seen as a significant coup for Burnley, who are looking to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

With the Premier League season fast approaching, all eyes will be on how Mejbri adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can fulfill the potential that has made him one of the most exciting young talents in football.