Transfer Centre

Besiktas 'pushing to sign Hannibal Mejbri from Manchester United'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 13 September 2023

Besiktas 'pushing to sign Hannibal from Man United'

Besiktas want to sign Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri on loan before Friday's transfer deadline, according to a report.

Besiktas are reportedly pushing to secure the services of Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri before the Turkish transfer window comes to an end on Friday.

The 20-year-old was linked with a move away from the Red Devils over the summer, but he stayed at Old Trafford past the Premier League deadline.

Hannibal was on the bench for Man United's Premier League clash with Arsenal before the international break, but he was not involved, and he is yet to feature during the 2023-24 campaign.

There has been a host of speculation surrounding the midfielder's future over the last week or so, with Besiktas thought to lead the Turkish interest late in the market.

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

According to Fanatik, Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes has identified the Tunisia international as a leading target, with the club already contacting Man United to discuss a possible move.

The report claims that Besiktas initially wanted to sign the midfielder on loan with a purchase option, but Man United did not want him to leave on a permanent basis.

The Super Lig outfit are now allegedly looking for a straight loan deal, with the final decision set to be made by Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman is allegedly still undecided when it comes to Hannibal due to the competition for spots in the middle of midfield.

Sofyan Amrabat was signed on loan from Fiorentina on transfer deadline day, while Kobbie Mainoo is close to returning to action following an ankle issue.

Birmingham City's Hannibal Mejbri celebrates scoring their first goal on February 10, 2023 © Reuters

Donny van de Beek could also be set to stay until at least January, as he has been included in Man United's 25-man Premier League squad amid the speculation surrounding his future.

Hannibal also has to compete with Casemiro, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay for game time in the middle of midfield.

The Tunisian has been with Man United since 2019, but he has only made three first-team appearances for the club, with two of those coming during the 2021-22 season.

Hannibal spent last season on loan with Birmingham City in the Championship, representing the Blues on 41 occasions in all competitions.