Real Madrid are expected to bring on-loan defender Achraf Hakimi back to the club ahead of next season, with Los Blancos also ready to tie the 21-year-old down to a new long-term deal.
Dortmund stint
Versatile Right-back Hakimi is a product of Real’s youth system.
After struggling for game-time behind Dani Carvajal during his debut campaign as part of Zinedine Zidane’s senior squad at the Bernabeu, though, it was subsequently decided in the summer of 2018 that a loan spell away from the Spanish capital would best aid Hakimi’s development.
This saw Borussia Dortmund step forward, with a surprise two-year loan deal having been agreed between the European heavyweights.
The seasons since, meanwhile, have seen Hakimi establish himself as an integral member of BVB’s XI.
Before the COVID-19 outbreak brought football to a halt, the Moroccan international had appeared in all of Dortmund’s outings in both the Bundesliga and Champions League this season.
MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY – MARCH 07: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Achraf Hakimi of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund at Borussia-Park on March 7, 2020 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
And, though Hakimi still has a lot to learn from a defensive standpoint, his production in attacking areas has long been of the highest standard.
Across 33 league and European appearances to this point in the campaign, the 21-year-old has racked up 7 goals and 10 assists.
This comes with Hakimi having also showcased his impressive versatility throughout his spell in Germany, with the youngster fully capable of lining out in either a defensive or midfield position along both flanks.
Real return
As outlined above, however, the remaining months of the 2019/20 campaign (if it is played out) look set to prove the final opportunity for Dortmund’s fans to enjoy Hakimi’s talents in the club’s famed yellow and black.
This comes with Real Madrid ready to hand their on-loan stopper the chance to impress at the Bernabeu next season.
As per the reliable Fabrizio Romano (via Goal), Hakimi will return to his parent club upon the expiration of his Dortmund loan, before putting pen-to-paper on a new 5-year deal.
The African is also said to be ready to take on the challenge of usurping long-time first-choice Real right-back Dani Carvajal.
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