Barcelona could turn to former Real Madrid player to fix right-back issues
Karan Tejwani
- Updated: 19 Aug 2022 08:25 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona are looking to bring in a new right-back to improve that side of the pitch, having already had a busy transfer window where they’ve signed five players.
In recent weeks, they’ve made a shortlist of five players they’d like to sign to improve at right-back, and it seems as though they’re going to make a move for Villarreal’s Juan Foyth before the end of the window.
However, a new name has come up in recent weeks, and this would be one that would infuriate fans of their biggest rivals, Real Madrid, as he previously played for them at the start of his career.
That is Achraf Hakimi, who is currently at Paris Saint-Germain and had a starring role last season, having played in 41 matches for the French champions.
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Hakimi deal will be difficult
According to El Chiringuito, Hakimi has recently emerged as an option for the Catalan club, but any deal will be difficult to complete due to a variety of factors.
Firstly, Hakimi only moved to PSG last season for a mammoth €70 million fee, of which €10 million was in add-ons, and the French champions will want to recoup much of that.
Secondly, Hakimi is seen as an important figure in the PSG dressing room, having developed a good relationship with many players, including Kylian Mbappe – the club will be stern negotiators.
Third, Barcelona probably aren’t in a position to pay a fee as high as the one PSG would demand for the Moroccan, as they’re still plagued by financial issues and would have to control their spending.
Achraf Hakimi is a serious problem! ⚡️⚡️
🇫🇷 PSG's new wing-back has registered 19 goals and 28 assists in his last three seasons at Dortmund and Inter 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0PrIm7kOYV— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) July 7, 2021
Hakimi joined PSG last year from Inter, who he signed for from Real Madrid for a €45 million fee, but only played there for one season, winning the Serie A title.
Prior to that, he was away on loan in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, where he showed his best qualities and attracted the interest of some of Europe’s best clubs.
Hakimi started his career with Real Madrid, but was unable to make an impression with the first-team, making just 17 appearances for them.
A move to Barcelona would still be a controversial for the right-back, as he would attract the ire of the Real Madrid support, who saw him grow at their club.
