As a disappointing loan spell away from Manchester United shudders to a halt, could one of the many players facing an uncertain future at the Premier League giants yet be handed an unexpected opportunity in an unexpected role.
Five appearances. 95 minutes. Zero goals, zero assists.
The numbers tell their own story about how Hannibal Mejbri‘s time at Sevilla has gone. No wonder the Spanish media are writing off Manchester United‘s hopes of making a £14 million sale on the Tunisia international, a permanent move to the La Liga outfit considered ‘impossible’ at this stage.
But an injury to one of Sevilla’s breakout talents – all-action forward Isaac Romero – appears to have opened up a window of opportunity for Hannibal to belatedly make his mark, albeit in a very different position than the one he was earmarked to fill when moving to Andalusia in January.
Manchester United loanee could play new role
“Isaac is an important loss. He runs for everyone and offers a lot. We have to think well to hide a loss that is going to be important,” sighs Sevilla coach Quique Sanchez Flores, speaking to Diario de Sevilla.
Romero, all movement and intensity, has featured mostly as a centre-forward since forcing his way into the first-team. Albeit one who likes to dart all across the frontline, drifting wide and running in behind.
Now, Hannibal has had some experience playing outside of his usual central midfield spot. He started on the right against Galatasaray in the Champions League group-stages, and was introduced on the left as a late sub against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
But through the middle, as a number nine? That is a very different assignment. It’s one he has filled in at academy level for United, although not spectacularly.
“There are many possibilities to cover that space that Isaac has. (The question is) if we draw from the attack or from the midfield. The alternatives are several,” the former Watford boss added when pressed on whether Hannibal or string-puller Joan Jordan could be tasked with stepping into Romero’s shoes.
“There are midfielders who are more of a playmaker and there are forwards who can go down to fill that space. There are others who are taking a step forward and we have to reiterate our confidence in them.”
Hannibal Mejbri may be given Sevilla shot
Hannibal certainly feels like a better stylistic fit than Jordan. The former Birmingham City loanee possesses the tenacity and the vitality that has made Romero such a big hit this season. And while hardly a regular goalscorer, the long-range thunderbolt Hannibal fizzed into the Brighton net back in September – his first and so far only Man United goal – speaks of the France-born 21-year-old’s ball-striking talents too.
Still, with Youssef En-Nesyri enjoying another impressive campaign, with Dodi Lukebakio at Sanchez Flores’ disposal too, Hannibal is unlikely to be Sevilla’s first port of call as they prepare for life without Isaac Romero.
But it’s nice to know that, despite a loan spell which certainly hasn’t gone to plan, Sanchez Flores still has a place for the Man United-owned midfielder in mind.
