PSG
L’Équipe reports that PSG defender Achraf Hakimi wants to return to Real Madrid
The Moroccan has been criticised this season at PSG and reportedly wants to move back to Madrid.
In July 2021, PSG completed the transfer of Achraf Hakimi, starting a summer that would turn out to go down in history with the additional signings of Ramos and Messi. The 24-year-old right-back landed in the French capital after having shone as a winger for both Dortmund and Inter. After many years playing with a hole on the right wing, the French team found a player whose impact was immediate in Ligue 1.
Achraf’s adaptation was fantastic, but his playing level, at first extraordinary, began to plummet. As reported by L’Équipe, the ex-Real Madrid player attributed his dip in form to Pochettino’s system, who played with four defenders. But this season, with three centre-backs and two wingers, the system that gives Hakimi the most power, he has failed to regain his confidence, especially after the World Cup.
Achraf has had a tough year at PSG
Two years ago, just before signing for PSG, those closest to Achraf advised him to sign for Chelsea and not for PSG. According to L’Équipe, the footballer dreams of returning to Madrid, his home and the place where he grew up until he made the leap to professional sport. The Moroccan international, a World Cup semi-finalist in Qatar, has a contract until 2026, so it is all but impossible to imagine a scenario in which he leaves Paris, especially taking into account how difficult it is to negotiate with Qatar for their stars.
Achraf’s level of performance in 2023 has brought him much criticism from within the club. His last off-field episode saw him accused of an alleged rape of a young woman, which further agitated the already uncomfortable situation at the club. Sent off against Lorient two weeks ago, the former Inter Milan player has never again been able to show his best form, specifically, the form that guided Morocco to the World Cup semi-finals last December.
His friendship with Mbappé, with whom he has built an extraordinary relationship from day one, is one of the reasons for Achraf to be considered ‘untouchable’. The French forward has been a huge support for the player, especially during his first months in Paris. At PSG they are not considering selling the right-back, but according to L’Équipe, if a huge offer comes in for him, the situation could indeed be very different.
