Former Real Madrid defender rules out potential return, finalising renewal with current club | OneFootball

In what may come as a setback for Real Madrid, reports from SPORT reveal that Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi is set to finalise a contract renewal with PSG, ruling out a potential return to Santiago Bernabeu.

This is a blow for Madrid, who have been struggling with a shortage of players and the impact of multiple injuries, largely due to the cost-cutting measures implemented by Florentino Perez during the summer transfer window.

Real Madrid had hoped to bring Hakimi back to the club once his current contract with PSG expires in 2026.

It would have been a classic Madrid-style deal, securing a top-quality player at no transfer cost. However, PSG have acted swiftly to prevent this from happening.

PSG are not falling this time

Achraf Hakimi does not want to join Real Madrid. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images for Qatar Airways )

Unlike the situation with Kylian Mbappe, PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos and his team have been working diligently behind the scenes to negotiate a contract extension for Hakimi.

The talks, which initially faced some hurdles, have now advanced significantly, with a positive outcome expected before the end of the year.

Hakimi seems content with life in Paris and is unlikely to make a dramatic move back to Madrid, especially if the final financial aspects of his new deal are sorted.

Additionally, Hakimi’s strong relationship with PSG manager Luis Enrique is another factor contributing to his decision to stay. After enduring a challenging season plagued by injuries, Hakimi is expected to play a key role in PSG’s plans this year.

His continued presence in Paris means Real Madrid will need to look elsewhere to find a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal.

With Hakimi’s potential return off the table, Madrid can now concentrate fully on their efforts to sign Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who ends his current contract in June 2025.