Real Madrid defender Achraf Hakimi is set to join Inter next week after a ‘total agreement’ was reached between all parties.
The Moroccan played his final minutes for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday afternoon, as BVB ended their Bundesliga campaign on a sour note – slumping to a shock 4-0 home defeat to Hoffenheim.
Saturday’s defeat wraps up an incredibly successful two-year loan spell for Hakimi at Signal Iduna Park. The electric 21-year-old contributed to 29 goals in 73 appearances and particularly excelled after Lucien Favre switched to a 3-4-2-1 in November, allowing Hakimi to maraud forward from a wing-back role.
Real Madrid’s willingness to sell this summer saw a glut of Europe’s biggest clubs enter the Hakimi sweepstakes, including Manchester City, Bayern and Chelsea. But it appears that Inter – managed by Antonio Conte – have won the race.
Previous reports of Real and Inter agreeing a fee – as well as Hakimi agreeing personal terms – have now escalated to a ‘total agreement’, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano. He claims a move will be finalised next week, with a medical also set to take place.
The agreement between Real and Inter is thought to be worth an initial €40m, fee plus €5m add ons, and does not include a buy-back clause – which is great news for I Nerazzurri.
Dortmund, meanwhile, were interested in acquiring Hakimi on a permanent basis, but they’ve now found their replacement in the form of free agent Thomas Meunier – who joined the club on Friday.
Nevertheless, the move for Hakimi thrusts Antonio Conte’s side into serious Scudetto contention for next season. Inter currently lack quality down the flanks – despite Conte working his magic with Antonio Candreva this term – and it’s seen them come unstuck against Serie A’s better sides.
The addition of Hakimi represents a monumental upgrade on the Italian’s current options and, on the surface, he seems like the ideal fit for Conte’s famed 3-5-2 formation.
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