I have to admit that I didn’t think Paris Saint-Germain could realistically sign Achraf Hakimi but recent reporting indicates that the window of opportunity is still open.
According to 90Min, the Real Madrid right-back is wanted by Chelsea FC, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. Currently, Hakimi is on loan at Borussia Dortmund but he is expected back in Madrid at the end of the season.
The report from 90Min also revealed that Dortmund would like to sign Hakimi to a permanent deal after his loan but with so many clubs with deep pockets after him, it’s unlikely the frugal German side will be able to compete.
So, why is this good news for PSG? Well, it means that Hakimi is still on the market and there is some hesitation from Real Madrid as to whether or not they can accommodate him when he returns to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Dani Carvajal is Zinedine Zidane’s starting right-back and at 28-years-old, the Madrid man is unlikely to take a backseat to anyone as he’s in the prime of his career. Hakimi will have to decide whether he wants to sit on the bench and wait his turn or leave for a big club now.
Speaking to Telefoot, Hakimi indicated that his preference would be to play for Los Blancos but that he’s also willing to carve out a future at a different club if need be.
“Real Madrid are the club I call home. I’ve really enjoyed my time there and played lots of games there. If Real Madrid want me to go back, I’ll go back. And if not, I will need to write the next chapter at another great club.”
PSG could use a player like Hakimi in the worst way. Thomas Meunier is mediocre at best and will leave at the end of the season when his contract expires. Thilo Kehrer and Colin Dagba have struggled with injuries and neither is an ideal solution for a club like PSG with UEFA Champions League aspirations. Hakimi would be an instant upgrade and a starter from day one.
According to Transfermarkt, Hakimi has a value of €54 million and you can bet that Real Madrid will request every bit of that amount if not slightly more if PSG comes calling.
One possible advantage PSG may have is that Real Madrid desperately wants to sign Kylian Mbappé next summer. They may see doing business with PSG now as beneficial for future deals.
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