Achraf Hakimi’s outstanding PSG form raises fresh questions over his future

Paris St-Germain want to extend Achraf Hakimi’s contract, but the Morocco international’s representatives are understood to have reservations about opening talks so soon after his previous renewal.

Hakimi, who is contracted to PSG until the summer of 2029, produced another outstanding display as the French champions beat Le Havre 5-1 on Wednesday night.

The victory was PSG’s ninth in a row in all competitions, despite the visitors taking an early lead through Josh Maja. The hosts responded with an emphatic attacking performance, with Hakimi at the centre of their comeback.

The 26-year-old wore the captain’s armband in the absence of Marquinhos and scored three goals while also providing two assists. French publication Foot Mercato gave him a perfect 10/10 rating and named him player of the match.

Speaking to Ligue 1+ after the game, Hakimi said: “It is amazing for a full-back! The coach has helped me a lot and given me the freedom to exploit the spaces and move forward, while still covering defensively when needed.

“I am happy and comfortable on the pitch, and I feel great with my team-mates. Things are going easily and I am trying to make the most of my ability to score and enjoy what I am producing.”

Manager Luis Enrique also praised Hakimi’s attacking influence, suggesting the player sometimes operates beyond the traditional responsibilities of a right-back.

“We know his qualities very well,” said the PSG manager at his news conference. “He is a striker; sometimes he gets further forward than the other attackers. He is the best right-back in the world.

“His three goals do not excite me as much as seeing him consistently perform at the highest level.”

PSG’s hierarchy now regards keeping Hakimi as a priority for the coming years, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, and has begun exploring the possibility of securing his long-term future.

The club’s position does not appear to have been affected by the legal case involving the player. His trial on a rape charge is scheduled to begin in 2027 after the Court of Cassation upheld the decision to refer the case to trial. Hakimi is presumed innocent and categorically denies the allegations against him.

However, the club’s desire to move quickly has not been matched by the same urgency from those close to the player. They believe it is still too early to discuss another new contract, particularly because his most recent extension was agreed only two years ago.

PSG therefore face a decision over whether to press ahead with negotiations or wait, while Hakimi’s future remains open to different possibilities. The Morocco international has never hidden his desire to return to Real Madrid, the club where he began his professional career.

The central question for PSG is whether the caution from Hakimi’s camp is simply a wish to delay a fresh decision, or an early indication that he could eventually leave Paris.