Paris Saint-Germain sign Morocco defender Hakimi from Inter Milan

Issued on: 06/07/2021 – 21:33

The Spain-born 22-year-old came through Real Madrid’s youth academy before breaking into their senior team in 2017 and was part of the squad that won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup titles in the 2017-18 campaign.

French media reported that PSG paid around €60 million ($71 million) for the versatile right back.

Hakimi had a loan spell with German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, winning the German Supercup in 2019, before joining Inter Milan with whom he lifted the Serie A title last season.

“I feel a lot of pride today,” Hakimi told the club website.

“After my experiences in Spain, Germany and Italy, PSG offers me the opportunity to discover a new championship under the colours of one of the most prestigious clubs in the world.

“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, fans and feel the extraordinary fervour that reigns at the Parc des Princes. I share the same high ambitions with the staff and the players and will do everything to give my club what it expects of me.”

Hakimi has won 36 caps and scored four goals for Morocco since making his debut in 2016.

Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG have already signed Netherlands midfielder Giorginio Wijnaldum after he ran down his contract with Liverpool while media reports say they are close to bringing in Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.

Despite 2011’s multi-million takeover by Qatar Sports Investment and signing Brazil’s Neymar for a world record fee, PSG have so far failed to win the Champions League.

“This calibre of signing shows the level of our ambitions – we continue to build something very special,” PSG’s chief executive officer Nasser Al-Khelaifi said.

“Achraf may only be 22 years old and has already established himself as one of the most talented full-backs in world football – these are the standards we set at the club.”

(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS, AFP)