La Liga champions Real Madrid are interested in signing Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi from Paris Saint-Germain.
According to a report by Defensa Central, Achraf Hakimi is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. But Los Blancos’ strained relations with Paris Saint-Germain might block a move for the Moroccan defender.
Achraf Hakimi has the experience of a lifetime despite only being 24 years old. The young full-back graduated from the Real Madrid academy half a dozen years ago but could never establish a foothold at the Santiago Bernabeu. But he finally rose to prominence during a two-year loan stint with Borussia Dortmund.
The Moroccan international returned to Real Madrid in 2020, but Los Blancos immediately sold him to Inter Milan. And after a season with the Nerazzurri, Hakimi joined PSG in July 2021. Since then, the player has made gradual progress while being a regular at Parc des Princes. And he has enjoyed a superb 2022/23 season thus far.
Hakimi was a pivotal figure for Morocco as the Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. And the 24-year-old has chipped in with three goals and three assists in 23 outings for PSG. The former Inter Milan defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with Real Madrid keen on re-signing him.
Real Madrid will need to invest in a right-back in the foreseeable future, with Dani Carvajal’s performance levels waning. The veteran Spaniard has been the first-choice right-back for Real Madrid for several years. But recent fitness issues have impacted his output on the pitch in the last couple of seasons.
Several right-backs, including Ivan Fresneda, have emerged on Real Madrid’s radar. And Hakimi is also a viable target. But Los Blancos’ strained relations with Paris Saint-Germain will complicate matters for them. However, they might have an ace up their sleeves amid PSG’s interest in one of their players.
The French champions are interested in Ferland Mendy. And Real Madrid might succeed in bringing Hakimi back to the Santiago Bernabeu by using Mendy as leverage. However, it will be interesting to see if PSG will be open to parting ways with a prized asset.
