Despite last week’s reports of Rangers’ advanced talks, their Old Firm rivals Celtic are now in the driver’s seat over a potential move for Hannibal Mejbri. The Manchester United prodigy could ply his trade to Parkhead as claimed by the Tunisian outlet (cited by Football Scotland).
Born in Paris, the 21-year-old versatile midfield prodigy had spells with Paris FC, Boulogne-Billancourt and Monaco before joining the youth ranks of the Red Devils. While he made a few first-team appearances since 2021, a loan move to Birmingham City was sanctioned in the summer of 2022 for regular gametime.
Mejbri featured 41 times for the Championship side and his emergence grabbed the attention of La Liga heavyweights Sevilla who loaned him (with an option to buy for a reported €20m fee) earlier this year.
However, his spell in Seville did not go as planned and he is now back at United to be a part of the ongoing pre-season encounters. With less than a year remaining in his Old Trafford contract, the Premier League hotshots should sanction a cut-price exit over losing him for nothing next summer.
Why Celtic Should Step Up The Chase
The former French youth international, who switched allegiance to Tunisia in 2021, has been a regular for the Eagles of Carthage over the past three years. His aggression, versatility in the middle of the park and pressing traits make him a worthy successor of Matt O’Riley if the Danish ace parts ways in the coming days amid interest from several European hotshots.
Celtic have so far retained their key players and replaced the custodian pair Joe Hart and Benjamin Siegrist with Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo. Some of their fringe players have left on loan or permanent terms, but the Glasgow giants have not roped in an outfield player yet so far this window.
Although the Bhoys are working hard to bring back Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo, the departure of O’Riley would change the dynamics considering his impact and influence throughout the previous campaign. Bernardo could operate as the ‘number 8’ alongside Reo Hatate. But they need more depth and quality in box-to-box slots with the project signings Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Odin Thiago Holm not ready yet to step in and deliver week in, and week out.
Mejbri’s flexibility would allow Brendan Rodgers to make tactical tweaks, formation shifts and strategic alterations. His work rate and defensive contribution should help the Hoops handle the pressure on big occasions, particularly in Europe after years of mediocrity and setbacks.
