The good pick of the winter transfer window? While Ivory Coast will organize the next African Cup of Nations, the 24 nations involved reveal, in turn, their lists of players selected to compete in the prestigious continental competition and to try to succeed Senegal. As such, Jalel Kadri’s Tunisia revealed its group of 27 players with two major absentees. Indeed, if Mohamed Dräger (39 caps, 3 goals) will not be on the trip, this is also the case for Hannibal Mejbri, Manchester United midfielder. “Hannibal told me that he did not feel ready for the CAN because he is going through a difficult situation at the club”quickly justified the Tunisian coach at a press conference.
Hannibal Mejbri on the departure…
Big loser, the Franco-Tunisian with 27 caps with the Eagles of Carthage is, in fact, experiencing a delicate situation under the colors of the Red Devils. Little helped by the sporting context of the Mancunians, sixth in the Premier League, the young 20-year-old midfielder has only played 131 minutes of play in the league since the start of the season. Author of one goal in 10 matches in all competitions, the 1m83 right-hander is therefore struggling to establish himself despite a good 2022-2023 campaign during his loan to Birmingham in the Championship (D2).
Restricted to a substitute role, sometimes sent back with the Manchester United U21s, the former star of AS Monaco then sees his future darken a little more with this missed meeting for the next CAN. What will definitely push him to change his mind in the weeks to come? The question is legitimate, especially in view of the requirements set by Erik ten Hag with regard to his young nuggets. “Young players who fail to live up to my very high standards will not be given an opportunity, and only world-class prospects will have a real chance under my leadership”, assured, in this capacity, the Batavian. With this in mind and according to the latest information from journalist Fabrizio Romano, the native of Ivry-sur-Seine would not lack suitors for the next winter window.
OL ready to seize their chance
Thus, John Textor’s Olympique Lyonnais would dream of relaunching the player who has only started four times with the residents of Old Trafford. Under contract until June 2024, the person concerned could then join Les Gones in the form of a loan and thus take his first steps in Ligue 1 (he did not have the opportunity during his time at Monaco) . Be wary, however, because the current 15th in Ligue 1 would not be alone on the file. In great difficulty this season, eliminated from all European competitions and only three points ahead of the first relegation in La Liga, Sevilla FC would also closely follow the profile of the Tunisian.
Finally, rather than fighting to stay in Seville or Lyon, Hannibal Mejbri could opt for another project. This time on the German side where Freiburg would also show an interest. Eighth in the Bundesliga and still in the race for Europe – the teammates of former Messin Kiliann Sildillia are only three lengths from the top 5 – the club coached by Christian Streich remains a possible destination. One thing is certain, the complicated situation currently being experienced by Mejbri does not fail to arouse envy…
