Hakimi’s Commitment to PSG: A Shift in Future Aspirations

After dedicating years to Madrid’s youth academy, Achraf Hakimi departed the club in 2020 to join Inter Milan following a successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. He has since established himself as one of the world’s premier right-backs, moving to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and playing a key role in their Champions League victory last season.

Naturally, Real Madrid expressed interest in bringing back the Moroccan star, who made 17 senior appearances for Los Blancos. With his contract set to expire in 2026, there were hopes that he could return to the Santiago Bernabeu. At that point, negotiations for a renewal with PSG had stalled, and Real Madrid had previously indicated to him that if he became a free agent in 2026, a return to Madrid would be welcomed. Given the tense relations between Real Madrid and PSG, a no-fee return was seen as the only feasible option. However, this outlook changed dramatically after Kylian Mbappe’s departure, which provided PSG with substantial financial flexibility, thereby complicating Madrid’s plans, as reported by AS.

Hakimi’s future was approaching a crucial crossroads until PSG took decisive action. Mbappe’s exit liberated considerable wage capacity, allowing PSG to present an offer that Madrid could not match. This proposal, bolstered by Luis Campos’ strategic vision and Luis Enrique’s influence within the team, prompted Hakimi to reconsider his future and sign a long-term contract in February of this year.

From PSG’s standpoint, retaining one of the best right-backs globally became essential for their rebuilding efforts post-Mbappe. Already well-integrated into the Paris squad and aligned with the club’s long-term plans, Hakimi opted for stability in Paris over nostalgia for Madrid.

Meanwhile, Hakimi has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained after a heavy challenge from Luis Diaz in the Champions League. PSG has permitted him to continue his rehabilitation in Murcia, where he collaborates closely with Dr. Salinas and the Innova Clinic team. Recently, he was spotted using a mobility device at the CAF awards after securing the 2025 African Player of the Year title.

His frequent appearances in Spain have kept the speculation alive. Notably, he attended Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw against Elche last week, where he witnessed former Madrid academy striker Alvaro Rodriguez score and mimic Hakimi’s signature “penguin” celebration. Despite his contract renewal with PSG lasting until 2029, his emotional ties to Madrid persist. He also met with his close friend Mbappe following the Elche match.

With Hakimi now committed to the European champions until 2029, Real Madrid’s longstanding ambitions to re-sign him have effectively come to an end. The club had always understood that negotiating with PSG’s leadership would be challenging, and once the prospect of a free transfer was eliminated, the opportunity vanished.

For PSG, Hakimi is poised to be a pivotal player in Enrique’s evolving project, and he is expected to return from injury ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. For Real Madrid, this narrative of a potential reunion that once seemed plausible has now been firmly redirected back into PSG’s vision.