Real Madrid right back Achraf Hakimi has been linked to a handful of top clubs around Europe, but it appears one of those teams is no longer in the race.
Madridistas fully expect Achraf Hakimi to return to Real Madrid for the 2020-2021 season, as he has the ability to either replace Gareth Bale as a right winger or push Dani Carvajal for minutes as a more polished right back option than Alvaro Odriozola.
Hakimi is coming off a wonderful season for Borussia Dortmund, who are still keen on extending the Morocco international’s loan deal. The right back, left winger, right winger, and even inverted left back has 10 assists in the 2019-2020 Bundesliga season and is set to add to his tally with the season resuming in a week.
Real Madrid should have huge plans for Hakimi and should not sell him, but teams around Europe have been circling in case.
PSG were among the teams linked to Hakimi, but it appears they are no longer courting his services this summer.
El Espanol’s Jorge Pacheco reports that the Ligue 1 giants are no longer pursuing Hakimi. The reason seems to be due to his price tag, which comes as no surprise. Transfer values are plummeting, and spending over 50 million euros on a right back to replace free agent Thomas Meunier would not be financially prudent for a club needing to keep Kylian Mbappe alongside Neymar’s record wages.
The economic situation in football makes it more likely Hakimi stays with Real Madrid beyond 2020. Los Blancos aren’t desperate for cash, so the won’t be interested in reducing a key player’s price to make a quick sale. But because they must be financially cautious themselves, they won’t be making a huge signing in 2020. Therefore, Hakimi’s attacking prowess and versatility become even more desirable to Los Blancos.
Juventus, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all been linked to Hakimi, but they are in even more perilous financial situations than PSG, with the possible exception of Bayern. So if PSG is no longer interested, don’t consider these other teams involved either.