Real Madrid News
Real Madrid decide against pursuing top full-back suggested by Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid have made it clear that they will not pursue a move for Achraf Hakimi, despite the fact that the Moroccan right-back has been linked with a return to the club.
According to Fichajes, this decision comes even though the team is in need of a right-back, and Hakimi was reportedly recommended by Kylian Mbappe, his teammate at Paris Saint-Germain.
In recent months, speculation had grown around the possibility of Hakimi rejoining Real Madrid, especially considering his close relationship with Mbappe.
The French striker’s influence in the club’s transfer plans has been well documented, leading to the assumption that his return to Madrid could encourage the signing of his friend. However, Real Madrid have firmly ruled out this option.
PSG are working on his renewal
Currently, Hakimi is a crucial player for Paris Saint-Germain, and his contract renewal with the club is expected to be confirmed soon, with a potential extension until 2029.
Under Luis Enrique, Hakimi has been performing exceptionally well. In the current season, he has contributed with 3 goals and 7 assists in 21 matches, proving his capabilities as an attacking full-back.
Despite his strong bond with Real Madrid, the club has shown no interest in bringing him back to Spain.
Real Madrid happy with their decision
It is said that the decision to sell Hakimi to Inter Milan in the past is one that the Real Madrid board stands by. Despite his talent, the club feels that Hakimi’s playing style is not the perfect fit for their current tactical approach.
Instead, Madrid are focusing on signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool right-back. His contract with Liverpool expires in 2024, and he has emerged as the club’s top target.
Real Madrid are confident that Alexander-Arnold will be the ideal player to strengthen their right flank, with plans to secure his signing as early as January.
While Mbappe would have welcomed the idea of playing alongside his close friend once more, he has not made Hakimi’s signing a condition for Madrid.
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
