Is extending Achraf Hakimi’s loan deal good for Real Madrid?

Real Madrid are expected to receive right back Achraf Hakimi back from loan in 2020-2021, but what if Los Blancos agree to extend his highly successful loan deal with Borussia Dortmund?

Los Blancos couldn’t be any happier with how fullback and winger Achraf Hakimi has developed at Borussia Dortmund over the past two seasons. The Real Madrid youngster had an encouraging first season in the Bundesliga, staring as a traditional right back and an inverted left back at times under new BVB manager Lucien Favre,

Although Hakimi had some early lumps in defense as a first-year starter for the Black and Yellows, BVB, as usual, were willing to take the negatives and focus on the positives. With his pace, rare shooting ability, versatility, tenacious defending on the ground, and tactical intelligence in the final third, Hakimi showed truly special traits to aid Dortmund’s aesthetic attacking style of play.

In his second season with the Black and Yellows, Hakimi truly blossomed. The Morocco international recorded 10 assists in the Bundesliga and was on fire during the Champions League group stages, scoring a team-high four goals.

Hakimi has generated significant interest around Europe. Dortmund have always made it clear that they want to keep Hakimi, knowing a loan extension would be the most realistic option. But Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Juventus have all been linked to Hakimi.

It would be a shock for Real Madrid to sell such a talented, versatile player. Hakimi was excellent at right back, left winger, and right winger last season, and he can be part of the answer at right back and right winger, depending on Dani Carvajal‘s role and what Real do in the transfer market.

Since Los Blancos likely won’t be able to purchase a new star wide forward, Hakimi could be tasked with replacing Gareth Bale. And because a new transfer is so unlikely, Hakimi’s value to Real only increases. Hakimi may love Dortmund and likely wants to play in every single game, but there’s a chance Real can still offer him the same playing time he seeks, especially if Zinedine Zidane can maximize his versatility.

But what if Los Blancos can’t sell enough players to make space for Hakimi’s return? There’s no guarantee anyone will want to take on Bale’s wages, especially in this economy. James Rodriguez will also be difficult to move. Nacho Fernandez, Mariano Diaz, and others will need to be sold, but it’s hard seeing Real selling anyone at this juncture.

If Real cannot make space for Hakimi, extending his loan deal with a team Real Madrid had a great relationship with would be wise. It’s much better than selling Hakimi, as sending him to a Champions League rival like PSG or Juve could be disastrous. And on the subject of Real’s and Dortmund’s relationship, Los Merengues have eyes on Erling Haaland in 2021. Perhaps a Hakimi loan can give Real a leg up on signing Haaland over other European rivals.