Achraf in limbo as Real Madrid look for Carvajal back-up
Zinedine Zidane's plan was to loan the Morocco international to Alavés but the club need cover at right back with PSG's Thomas Meunier under consideration.
Real Madrid are considering bringing in a full back to provide cover for Dani Carvajal and could be considering a deal to bring Belgium international Thomas Meunier to the Bernabéu, which would necessitate an exit to make room within the first team squad.
The most obvious candidate is Castilla full back Achraf Hakimi, who is viewed within the club as a long-term successor to Carvajal. Zinedine Zidane had intended to send the 18-year-old Morocco international on loan to Alavés after the success of doing so with Marcos Llorente last season but the sale of Danilo to Manchester City put a temporary halt to the arrangement.
Achraf caught the eye in pre-season
Achraf was included in the squad for the club’s pre-season tour of the US, where he featured for 151 minutes across games against Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and the MLS All-Stars, just 60 minutes fewer than the Spain international. During his appearances he gave the impression he could make the step up: a dazzling performance against United was followed by a cameo against City where only the woodwork denied him a goal.
However, neither Alavés nor Achraf, who are both keen on a loan deal, know what Real Madrid’s current plans are. AS reported on July 27 that the transfer to Mendizorrotza was imminent and that Zidane would use Nacho and Castilla defender Álvaro Tejero as cover for Carvajal when needed. But as things stand Alavés and Achraf have received no official communication from Real Madrid.
In part due to Real’s bust start to the season, with involvement in the European and domestic Super Cup competitions, Achraf’s move has been put on hold. It is expected it will be finalized after the second leg against Barcelona on August 16, or sooner if Meunier arrives in Madrid.
