Achraf Hakimi: Bayern Munich chase Real Madrid youth product
AS has learned that Bundesliga champions Bayern are willing to offer Achraf, who is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund, big money to go to the Allianz Arena.
Bayern Munich are eager to sign Achraf Hakimi this summer. AS understands that the Real Madrid full-back, who has been on loan at Borussia Dortmund since 2018, has emerged as a priority target for the German champions, who are willing to spend big - on both transfer fee and salary - to secure his services.
Bayern ready to offer Achraf six to seven million euros a year
Having been made aware of Bayern’s interest, Achraf is said to be open to a move to Munich for two reasons. Firstly, a likely wage offer of around six to seven million euros a year after tax would represent a significant increase on his current pay packet. Secondly, it would allow him to stay in the Bundesliga, a league he has successfully adapted to.
Achraf doesn't want to be Carvajal's Real Madrid understudy
Achraf’s performances during his two-year loan spell at Dortmund have persuaded Madrid and their coach, Zinedine Zidane, of the merits of bringing the 21-year-old back to the Bernabéu, but the player himself isn’t completely convinced. Indeed, it has already been made plain to club chiefs that he doesn’t want to return just to be understudy to Dani Carvajal at right-back.
Zidane sees Carvajal as his nailed-on first choice, however, leaving Achraf increasingly unlikely to be a part of Los Blancos’ squad next season.
Madrid, who enjoy fluid relations with Bayern and have been informed of the Germans' interest in Achraf, understand the player’s stance. Having impressed in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons, his demands for a starting spot are understandable. Madrid have no intention of letting him leave on the cheap, though, despite the footballing financial crisis sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.
Real Madrid would hold out for 60 million euros
Given that Achraf is a young player with a contract that still has three years left on it, Real Madrid would expect to receive a fee of around 60 million euros. The specialist website Transfermarkt values the defender at 54 million euros, so the LaLiga club’s financial demands appear to be in line with his actual market worth.
Man United, Inter also chasing Moroccan defender
Although Bayern look best-placed to sign Achraf if Madrid sell their youth product, they are far from the only top club eyeing the Moroccan. Manchester United and Inter Milan are two other major suitors ready to go after his signature, with the former likeliest to be able to match the amounts Bayern are willing to part with.
Achraf’s dream has always been to be a success at Madrid, but if Carvajal's presence in the squad prevents him from returning to the Spanish capital, staying in Germany is an option he feels is attractive. What's more, Bayern are offering him a regular starting spot. Benjamin Pavard is currently the first choice at right-back, but the view at the Allianz Arena is that Achraf would offer greater quality going forward.
Dortmund remain keen for Achraf to stay
In addition to a potential move to Bayern, United or Inter, remaining at Dortmund is also a possibility, albeit it appears to be an outside bet. Michael Zorc, the BVB sporting director, has made it clear to Madrid on several occasions that the club would like to hold on to the defender, but they look unlikely to be able to compete with the financial muscle of the likes of Bayern.
Rather than trying to sign him permanently, therefore, Dortmund would seek to extend Achraf’s loan at Signal Iduna Park - a solution Madrid wouldn’t be averse to, given that they feel he has the potential to be their starting right-back in the future.
However, the player is against the idea of another loan deal: not only would it see him miss out on the appetising financial offers on the table, but he wants to be able to put down roots at the club he’s at next term, whether his destination is Madrid or elsewhere.