Morocco international Achraf Hakimi is unlikely to sign a new contract at Paris Saint Germain, reports said. The 26-year-old right-back, arguably the finest in the world, will become a free agent when his current deal at the French capital expires in 2026. The latest report contradicts what the like of L'Équipe had claimed earlier -- that the 5ft-11 defender will extend his stay at Paris at least until 2029.
Hakimi, who joined Real Madrid Academy as a child, arrived at PSG from Inter Milan in 2021. A mainstay for the French powerhouse ever since, Hakimi had recently vowed to help the team lift its first UEFA Champions League. However, he also hinted his thirst for winning trophies.
PSG is often mocked for being mere "home bullies" for their misfortunes in the European circuit. The star-studded side, funded by oil money from the Middle East, never tasted the ultimate glory of European football.
Who will buy Achraf Hakimi?
PSG's lack of success in the UCL is said to be the reason behind national captain Kylian Mbappe's move to Real Madrid. The scenario could be no different for Hakimi, a two-time African Youth Player of the Year winner, who is yet to win European silverware despite being a highly-rated footballer.
While there was no immediate news on potential clubs that the former Borussia Dortmund star could go to, some reports, on the other hand, claimed to know PSG's contingency plan. Luis Enrqiue's side is likely to buy English right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Premier League's Liverpool, reports said.
Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool?
26-year-old Trent, whose current Liverpool contract runs out in the summer of 2025, is unlikely to continue at Anfield in the post-Jurgen Klopp era. TAA has been heavily linked with La Liga champions Real Madrid for sometime now, and injury blows to Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez may force the Los Blancos to make a move for him ASAP.
Meanwhile, PSG is preparing to play spoilsport by taking Trent to Ligue 1 instead. The English defender is already in talks with PSG and it has entered into advanced stages, SportBible said in a report. If Hakimi leaves in 2026, Trent could automatically take his place. If the Moroccan decides to stay, then the versatile Englishman can be accommodated in the midfield. Under Gareth Southgate, TAA has operated as a midfielder for the England national team.
However, Trent Alexander-Arnold has not made his intentions clear yet and has kept his cards close to his chest. It needs to be seen if he would choose the super-rich French champions over proven trophy winners from the Spanish capital.