With Dani Carvajal suffering from recurring injuries, many Real Madrid fans dream of having another world-class right-back on the team. Achraf Hakimi could’ve been this player, but the Whites preferred to sell him to Inter Milan for just €40m in 2020 – and that despite his two brilliant seasons on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Let's talk about the reasons behind the Moroccan's exit for such a relatively modest fee.
1. His sale helped cut the losses in Covid-hit season
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid loved the idea of receiving the €40m in one instalment and Inter Milan came up exactly with this formula.
The Whites did not sign a single player that transfer window, so you may imagine how important it was for them to save the money during the harsh pandemic period.
2. There were still enough right-backs at that time
Theoretically, 5 players could play there at that moment. Dani Carvajal was always the no. 1 regardless of Hakimi's future, but also Lucas Vazquez, Alvaro Odriozola, Nacho and Eder Militao could provide cover. On paper, enough squad depth for one particular position.
3. There was a reported conflict between him and Zidane
Hakimi was said to be unhappy about the lack of attention coming from the club when he came back – even from Zinedine Zidane who 'was like a father to him', according to some sources.
At that time, Achraf reportedly wanted to have a private conversation with Zizou regarding his future, yet he never heard back from the manager.
"Zidane is the reason for Hakimi's transfer to Inter Milan. He must explain why Hakimi moved there," the player's agent Martin Camano told Al Mountakhab that same summer.
