Achraf Hakimi’s stock has risen exponentially in the past two seasons, since he moved to Borussia Dortmund, on a two-year loan from Real Madrid.
The Morrocan wing-back has developed into one of the most exciting young full-backs in the world, with Dortmund trying to convince the Real Madrid hierarchy to allow the youngster to remain at the Signal Iduna Park for one more season.
Speaking ahead of Dortmund’s game with Fortuna Dusseldorf, BVB sporting director Michael Zorc hinted that the club will try and prolong Achraf Hakim’s loan spell.
“The contractual situation is clear, he will return to Real Madrid for the time being. We will still try to get him to play with us next season, but it is too early to discuss that now.”
Michael Zorc
Taking all things into consideration, which scenario would be best suited for Hakimi? To stay at Signal Iduna Park, where he is a guaranteed starter in a well-drilled young Borussia Dortmund team, or head back to Real Madrid and compete with Dani Carvajal for a place in the playing XI?
What is Achraf Hakimi’s take?
Just a couple of weeks ago, the player’s agent Alejandro Camano said that Hakimi wants to play regular football. However, with that said, he would prefer to return to his parent club.
“So, we’ll reach an agreement of some sort over whether he stays or goes, but without forgetting that the aim is to play for Real Madrid one day because, for him, it’s the best club in the world.
“It could be a short wait if Real Madrid offer him to stay now or a long wait if he doesn’t stay, but the aim is always the same – end up [playing for] the best club in the world.”
Alejandro Camano
Judging by the words of his agent, the full-back wants to ply his trade in La Liga next season, however, in all eternity, Hakimi would definitely have to accept that fact that he won’t be a regular starter at the Santiago Bernabeu.
What if Hakimi went back to Real Madrid?
Carvajal has established himself as Zinedine Zidane’s first-choice right-back, and in all likelihood, he will continue to play the more important matches even if Achraf Hakimi does return to the fore.
The Spaniard is 28, and while he may be a bit injury-prone, his experience will be enough for Carvajal to get the nod ahead of the young Moroccan.
Both players have emerged from the Cantera, which was previously managed by Zidane himself. So, the Frenchman knows the strengths and weaknesses of both the players very well.
That being said, Hakimi will get enough chances to impress the Real Madrid head coach. But considering he’s in his developmental years, it would be better suited for the Moroccan to get as many minutes under his belt as possible.
The verdict: Stay with Dortmund
In his two seasons with Borussia Dortmund, the youngster has developed into a marauding full-back, capable of taking on and beating players at will through his pace and dribbling.
This, in turn, has allowed Lucien Favre to deploy Hakimi as a midfielder on certain occasions, and he’s excelled in that role as well.
The player has made 70 appearances for BVB till date, chipping in with 12 goals and 17 assists.
All things considered, Hakimi should extend his stay at the Westfalenstadion for one more season at least, and Real Madrid won’t be troubled by that, as they already have Nacho, who can deputise for Dani Carvajal at right-back.
In such a scenario, the youngster’s development wouldn’t be hindered and at 21, he is surely the future of Los Blancos.
All stats courtesy: Transfermarkt.co.in