After a demanding 2024-2025 season, Achraf Hakimi remains a cornerstone of Paris Saint-Germain’s defense. The Moroccan right-back completed an impressive campaign—playing 55 matches across all competitions and scoring 11 goals—delivering an attacking output that few full-backs can rival. Yet, despite his evident fatigue at the end of the season, PSG has no plans to sign a new right-back this summer.
This decision, endorsed by head coach Luis Enrique, reflects a clear internal squad management philosophy. Rather than recruiting externally, the technical staff is betting on PSG’s homegrown talents and the existing squad depth, relying also on the versatility of current defensive players. It’s a bold move that showcases confidence in the team but leaves questions about bench strength, especially if Hakimi faces injuries or national team commitments.
Despite his fatigue, Hakimi’s performance levels have rarely dropped; his stats in Ligue 1 and Champions League tell the story of a dynamic full-back who contributes both offensively and defensively at the highest level. His ability to surge forward and create danger on the right flank is key to PSG’s attacking schemes, fully justifying the staff’s trust in him.
However, with events like AFCON and the Club World Cup likely to pull Hakimi away at times, not bringing in a proven backup remains a risky gamble. PSG will look to young players, including the promising Yoram Zague, to provide cover. Time will tell whether this internal solution will hold up during another high-stakes season in 2025-2026.
