Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Inter Milan full back Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan international has signed a five-year deal at the Parc de Princes. The deal in total could cost PSG up to €70 million.
Hakimi was instrumental in helping Inter Milan secure the Serie A title. His arrival certainly adds a much needed option in the full back areas for Mauricio Pochettino.
Hakimi’s arrival continues a busy start to the transfer window for Pochettino having already added Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum. They are also closing in on AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Achraf Hakimi Completes Paris Saint-Germain Move
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Hakimi Arrives After Stunning Season
The Moroccan international has played for some of top teams in Europe. Starting his career at Real Madrid, Hakimi made a handful of appearances for Los Blancos. His most productive career move was a two-year loan at Borussia Dortmund.
There, Hakimi established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting and talented full backs. He eventually completed a move to Inter last summer and helped the Nerazzurri to a first league title in 11 years. Hakimi made 37 appearances in Serie A, scoring seven times and setting up eight others.
His departure continues Inter Milan’s off season attempts at saving money. The Serie A champions need to generate funds and Hakimi’s move is the first major transfer to generate that. Changing managers also helped their cause with Simone Inzaghi arriving to replace Antonio Conte.
Hakimi joins a PSG side who are going through transition under Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine is rebuilding and revamping the squad after a disappointing campaign overall. PSG lost out on the league title to Lille and were knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stages.
Pochettino is certainly making significant movements in his first transfer window as PSG manager. He has identified the full back areas as a position of weakness. Pochettino decided not to sign Alessandro Florenzi on a permanent deal and instead bring in Hakimi.
The Moroccan international certainly ticks all the boxes Pochettino will have looked for – strong offensively and equally strong defensively. His arrival is certainly a statement of intent from the French club.
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