Real Madrid need to extend Achraf Hakimi no matter what

Real Madrid have one of world football’s most versatile and talented players in Achraf Hakimi, and they must extend him at all costs.

Over the past several weeks, rumors are running rampant regarding the future of Real Madrid right back Achraf Hakimi. Of course, it’s no surprise that the rumor mill is buzzing at a time when there is no football being played and a whole lot of uncertainty, but it is true that the Borussia Dortmund loan signing’s future lacks clarity.

Real Madrid have Hakimi under contract until 2022. So unless they are indeed entertaining offers from Chelsea, PSG, Arsenal, Juventus, or any of the other teams supposedly interested in stealing the right back away, Hakimi will be playing for Los Blancos in 2020-2021.

But the speculation remains. Will Hakimi ask for a transfer if he isn’t guaranteed a starting spot at either right back over Dani Carvajal or right winger as Gareth Bale‘s replacement? What happens if Real can’t extend Hakimi and they are forced to sell him in 2021 with one year left on his deal? What if? How about?

There are so many questions, but the answer for Real Madrid is clear. Extend Achraf Hakimi at all reasonable costs. Make it a priority.

Los Blancos won’t be able to hit the bargaining table with any player, including Hakimi, until the worst of the pandemic finishes. Then, business can finally take center stage.

When it does, Real must be ready to hand Hakimi a long-term extension beyond just 2023 or even 2024. Keep him through 2024-2025 on a five-year deal that keeps the 21-year-old up until his prime, when he can choose to remain with Madrid or cash in on his peak value elsewhere.

Hakimi may be a ways off from his prime, but he’s already one of the most dangerous players in European football. After an encouraging first season at Dortmund in 2018-2019 in which manager Lucien Favre gave the still-learning fullback time to grow, the Morocco international truly blossomed as a world-class player last season.

He provided Champions League goals galore, 10 assists in the Bundesliga, improved defending, and even more versatility. Hakimi can star at right back, left back, right winger, or left winger. His connection with Jadon Sancho was damn near telepathic on the right side. He might be the fastest Bundesliga player ever. And, yes, he can provide an end product.

In so many ways, Hakimi is a dream re-addition to Real Madrid. He offers so much more in terms of attacking prowess and speed that Dani Carvajal does not. Hakimi has cut down on his mistakes, to the point where he may be even less prone to errors than the more experienced Carvajal, who also first rose to stardom in the Bundesliga.

Zinedine Zidane could do wonders with a player like Hakimi. He’s more valuable to Real Madrid than any cash offer they’d receive, especially right now. Los Merengues must keep him for the foreseeable future, because his talent and mentality fit the club perfectly. He is a star in every sense of the word.