While rumours have indicated that Kylian Mbappe will be the biggest deal at Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, the Los Blancos are entering a period of transition. There is uncertainty over the future of a lot of players especially the old guard with many expecting a lot of new faces. However, aside from reinforcing their front-line and letting go of the old guard in midfield, reports have indicated that Real Madrid are on the lookout for defensive options.
With David Alaba and Eder Militao recovering from ACL injuries, it has left the club looking bare in the back. So much so, that the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have filled in the gaps in defense. But their full-backs are the larger cause for concern as both Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez have struggled for form while Ferland Mendy has never hit the heights many expected.
Real Madrid considering move for Achraf Hakimi
Thus it’s no secret that the Los Blancos have been linked with several potential replacements in the form of Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alphonso Davies and a few others. However, the Athletic’s Mario Cortegana has reported that Achraf Hakimi is at the top of their shortlist. The former Real Madrid academy star is now considered to be one of the best in the world. However, his contract expires in the summer of 2026 but while PSG want to renew his terms, nothing has materialized.
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That has attracted Real Madrid’s attention, especially given the 25-year-old’s performances over the years. The full-back struggled to break into the Real Madrid squad but a loan move to Borussia Dortmund saw him thrive as a wing-back. That earned Hakimi a mega move to Inter Milan where he continued to prove himself as one of the best in his position. That hasn’t changed at PSG which may complicate any Real Madrid move for him as Manchester City are also interested.
Manchester City are also in the running for Hakimi
As per AS, the Manchester City are very keen on signing the 25-year-old especially as they are also looking to bring in fresh blood into their squad. The Premier League giants are looking to prepare for their future and with Hakimi capable of playing left-back as well, it has attracted City’s attention. They don’t have a natural left-back at the club with Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji and even Bernado Silva deputising there.
However, reports have further indicated that PSG will only sell the Moroccan international if they can’t get him to sign a new contract. The Parisians are confident that they can keep Hakimi although with less than eighteen months on his current contract, the club are preparing themselves for every possibility.