On-loan Borussia Dortmund full back Achraf Hakimi has admitted that he would like to return to Real Madrid “as soon as possible”.
Hakimi, who came through the ranks at Real Madrid, joined Borussia Dortmund on a two year loan deal last summer. The 20 year old enjoyed a largely successful debut season in Germany, and played an important role in the Black and Yellows’ incredible first half of the season.
The Moroccan international scored three goals and provided seven assists in 28 appearances in all competitions this season. However, his season was ended abruptly due to a broken metatarsal suffered in the game against Wolfsburg in March.
In an interview with Spanish TV channel Vamos [H/T: AS], Hakimi said, "It would be a dream to be back at Madrid as soon as possible. I’d be lying if I said otherwise. We’ll see what happens."
Despite his desire to return to Real Madrid, Hakimi has admitted that he is delighted with how his spell at Borussia Dortmund has turned out. He has also revealed that his decision to join Der BVB was inspired by Dani Carvajal, who enjoyed a successful season at Bayer Leverkusen before returning to Real Madrid.
"When Dortmund came in for me, I felt like I could replicate what [Dani] Carvajal did [at Bayer Leverkusen]: go out on loan and then come back a more mature player, having had the kind of learning experience that I needed. I think I made the right decision."
"It was a big blow when I got injured. But I’m feeling a whole lot better about myself now. I was worried about whether I’d be the same player I was before, but bit by bit I’ve started to get over that fear, and I’m now fighting tooth and nail to get back into the shape I was in before – and ideally get myself into even better nick than that."
Hakimi has the potential to become one of the best full backs in the world and Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans Joachim Watzke revealed last year that the club would do everything they can to sign him on a permanent transfer. But now it seems highly unlikely that he will stay at the Westfalenstadion following the end of his loan spell in 2020.