Inter Milan and Real Madrid are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for the talented Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi.
According to multiple sources, Inter agreed to pay around $45 million, plus bonuses, for Hakimi, who spent the previous two seasons on loan with Borussia Dortmund. The player is expected to ink a five-year contract with the Seria A powerhouse.
After a highly successful two-year stint in the Bundesliga, Hakimi was expected to return to Santiago Bernabeu next season and play for Real. However, after La Liga giants couldn’t guarantee him a starting spot over Dani Carvajal, the 21-year-old right-back decided to explore other options.
Borussia tried to secure Hakimi’s stay on a permanent basis, while Bayern Munich also got in the race. However, Inter made a strong push last week and are now on the verge of getting one of the brightest talents in soccer.
While the news is still not official, Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta recently confirmed that the club is trying to get the player to Italy.
“I confirm that we are in an advanced negotiation for Hakimi. [Inter sporting director Piero] Ausilio has been very good, but we must now conclude the negotiation,“ said Marotta.
Achraf Hakimi went through Real Madrid’s academy and made his debut with the senior team in 2017 after impressive showings on youth levels. After making nine appearances during the 2017/18 seasons, Hakimi was sent to Borussia Dortmund in order to continue his development.
Hakimi thrived with Borussia in the next two years, solidifying his place as the team’s starting back, making 73 appearances with 12 goals scored in all competitions. Still, this didn’t convince Real to give him a more prominent role.
According to sources close to the club, Real’s head coach Zinedine Zidane valuates Dani Carvajal’s presence in the locker room and sees the Spaniard as the club’s main right back in the next several years. Also, there are doubts about whether Hakimi would fit into Zidane’s tactical system, considering that Real and Borussia have a drastically different setup.
