Former Real Madrid player could return for free

Real Madrid's right-back position has been one of interest for a long time. Over the past few months, the club have been linked with players like Reece James of Chelsea, Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool, Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur and Yan Couto of Manchester City, who is currently on loan at Girona.

There is another right-back who has been linked with a return to Real Madrid, on and off, for years now. That is none other than Achraf Hakimi.

The Moroccan international came through the Real Madrid youth ranks but was not able to establish himself in the senior team. He has proven himself at a number of top clubs since then though, gaining success at Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and PSG. There is no doubt that Hakimi is one of the best right-backs in the game today.

Dani Carvajal's resurgence in form this season has meant that the right-back situation is not an emergency for Real Madrid any more. And it looks like they could be ready to wait for a few years for Hakimi.

Former Real Madrid player could return for free

As reported by AS, Hakimi has no plans to leave PSG in June and his intention is to fulfil his contract with the club, which runs until the summer of 2026. Several clubs in Europe are keeping an eye on his situation, including Real Madrid. The season that Carvajal is having suggests that he can continue beyond 2025. So, 2026 may be the ideal time to bring in his replacement at right-back.

There has been a growing trend in European football in recent years of top players letting their contracts run out and moving as free agents. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba joined Real Madrid in the same manner and Kylian Mbappe might do so this summer.

It is very possible that Hakimi could be available as a free agent in the summer of 2026. And that might be the perfect opportunity for Real Madrid to pull off a transfer masterstroke.