Paris Saint-Germain finds itself locked in tense negotiations with the Moroccan national team as the French club aims to secure star right-back Achraf Hakimi for a clash against Toulouse in the Champions Trophy coming up on January 3rd.
Hakimi, a key man in Morocco’s historic run to the World Cup semi-finals, was called up by manager Walid Regragui on Thursday for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations set to take place in Ivory Coast.
This tournament directly clashes with PSG’s upcoming trophy match against Toulouse, winners of last year’s Coupe de France.
According to sources close to the club, PSG management is desperately trying to reach an agreement with Regragui’s squad that would free up their 24-year old fullback to feature in the critical Champions Trophy game.
However, with Hakimi being such a pivotal part of the Atlas Lions and carrying his brilliant World Cup form, Morocco seems unlikely to concede on releasing their star defender.
As French daily Le Parisien notes, Hakimi’s presence is considered essential for PSG’s chances in the contest.
His marauding runs from the right flank this season have been a vital attacking outlet that the Parisian squad lacks an equivalent replacement for.
While PSG fights similarly to secure South Korean midfielder Kang-in Lee from Asian Cup duties, sources say his participation seems assured at this point.
But Hakimi’s situation remains worryingly unclear just days before the anticipated trophy match.
For a PSG side seeking silverware after a disappointing Champions League group stage exit, being without Hakimi would constitute a massive blow.
Facing a spirited Toulouse featuring rising Moroccan talent Zakaria Boukhlal, the Ligue 1 champions may sorely miss their Lion of the Atlas against this underdog opposition.
As the hours count down to the Parc des Princes showcase, all eyes turn to the negotiations behind the scenes that will determine if PSG’s star fullback heads home or fights for club glory against the Coupe de France victors.
The verdict could profoundly swing fortunes when these bitter rivals clash with prestigious French silverware on the line.
