Hannibal Mejbri must decide between Everton and Sevilla: The positives and negatives for each move

Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri will be deciding between a move on loan to Everton or Sevilla during the January transfer window.

Hannibal, 21, seems to be set to head out on loan this month. After a last-minute intervention, according to Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder has a decision to make between the two clubs interested.

United have often been guilty of offering poor development to their young academy players in recent years. However, there is not always a correct decision in terms of loans.

Both moves offer positives – being in the top flight of Spain or England among other aspects – but also negatives as well.

Everton

Everton would offer Hannibal a stable environment despite their current league standings. The 10-point deduction pushed The Toffees into the relegation zone late last year, but their impressive form this term has already seen them jump out of it.

It’s likely that Sean Dyche’s side are moving towards mid-table, which will help a loanee, who would likely be afforded fewer minutes if there were in a relegation scramble for most of the second half of the season.

The system would also fit Hannibal’s attributes in midfield quite well, as well as there being an experienced Premier League manager at the helm. Hannibal also embodies many of the qualities Dyche likes in a midfielder.

However, on the other hand, once Everton have Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure back in the squad, there will be a lot of competition in those midfield areas. Former Red James Garner, and Amadou Onana, also operate in those areas.

This could lead to a difficult time getting minutes should Hannibal move the move, although his versatility might allow him to fit in more often than not.

Sevilla

Sevilla, meanwhile, would be an easier squad for Hannibal to get minutes in when looking at the competition in midfield. The Spanish side’s squad is not as strong as at Everton.

La Liga would also offer a new environment for the young player who has experienced a loan spell in the Championship with Birmingham City last term, as well as Premier League football this season.

Sevilla’s dreadful form, however, could offer two alternative scenarios for the playmaker. He could either be a mainstay in the side due to adding quality to an important area of the pitch, or he could struggle to adapt instantly and not be afforded minutes as the club are unable to take the gamble to start him.

Playing in a side that appears disjointed and in a poor state, or even an extremely good state, can also be a worry for players moving on loan.

There has to be a balance struck, and Everton offers that in many different aspects. However, as mentioned, there is tough competition for places there, but Hannibal would be afforded minutes with the absences right now and could impress Dyche.