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Morocco World
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Hakimi's Dual Mission: PSG Star Sets Sights on African Glory
Mrirt – The Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi may shine brighter than ever at Paris Saint-Germain, but his heart beats just as strongly for national glory. While his club transformation under Luis Enrique continues to grab headlines, Hakimi's burning ambition to lift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 with Morocco reveals his deepest motivation. Morocco's AFCON Dream Drives Hakimi The Atlas Lion spoke highly of his ambitions to win the 2025 AFCON, which will be hosted in Morocco between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026. 'We only think about winning, to tell the truth,' Hakimi said of Morocco's AFCON campaign. 'We're playing at home, in our country, with our supporters. We're ready for this.' The Atlas Lion spoke to Footmercato with absolute conviction about Morocco's chances. 'I believe that to win this Africa Cup of Nations, we must focus solely on the fact that we will do it,' he asserted. 'That's the objective, the only thing in our minds is: win, win, win.' With 83 caps and 10 goals for Morocco, Hakimi represents his country's greatest hope for continental triumph. The tactical versatility and winning mentality he developed at PSG now serve a greater purpose — bringing the AFCON trophy to Moroccan soil for the first time since 1976. Read also: Hakimi Dreams of Leading Morocco to Historical World Cup Victory Enrique Reshapes PSG's Hakimi Spanish coach Louis Enrique has revolutionized Hakimi's game and performance by deploying him in a hybrid role that blends defensive duties with midfield responsibilities. 'He taught me to see football differently,' Hakimi said in an interview with Footmercato. 'I learned to occupy new spaces and make movements I never mastered before.' This tactical evolution shows in his impressive statistics: 5 goals and 12 assists already this season, surpassing his entire previous campaign. At 26, Hakimi applies these enhanced skills not just for PSG but also for his beloved national team. While his PSG contract extension until 2029 confirms his club commitment, Hakimi's passion burns brightest when discussing Morocco's quest for African supremacy. For this transformed player, club excellence provides the much-desired platform to shine and improve, but national glory remains the ultimate prize. Tags: 2025 afconAchraf HakimiFootballMoroccoPSG
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Consider €80m Move for Bundesliga Striker
Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs considering a move for Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old forward has been in electric form this season, tallying 17 goals and six assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances. His resurgence in Germany has attracted widespread attention, with Footmercato confirming that Liverpool, Arsenal, and West Ham are monitoring his situation. With an €80 million price tag, Ekitike represents a significant financial commitment, but his performances suggest he could be worth it. The question remains: is this the right move for Liverpool? Ekitike's journey has been anything but straightforward. His time at Paris Saint-Germain never fully took off, as he struggled for minutes in a star-studded squad. A winter transfer to Frankfurt during the 2023-24 season changed everything. Initially finding his feet with four goals and two assists in 16 games, he has since flourished into a lethal attacking force. His form in the current campaign has justified Frankfurt's investment, making him one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe. Liverpool's interest in Ekitike is intriguing. The Reds are expected to enter a period of tactical evolution in the summer. While the Arne Slot is still assessing his squad in his first season, reinforcing the attack could be a priority—especially with uncertainty around the long-term futures of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez. At 22, Ekitike fits the profile Liverpool tend to target: young, dynamic, and capable of playing in multiple attacking roles. His Bundesliga success suggests he could adapt well to the Premier League. However, there are risks. Would he cope with the physicality of English football? Could he maintain his form at a club where expectations are sky-high? Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit. Arsenal, too, have been linked, while West Ham could provide another Premier League option. Footmercato reports that PSG still hold a 20% sell-on clause, meaning Frankfurt may want to maximise their profit in any sale. With his contract running until 2029, prising him away won't be easy. An €80 million fee is significant, particularly with Liverpool also expected to strengthen their midfield and defensive ranks this summer. Would Ekitike be worth that outlay, or should the club focus on other areas first? Hugo Ekitike's rise in Germany is impressive, but Liverpool fans might question whether he's the right fit for their club at this stage. While the Reds need attacking reinforcements, they already have multiple forward options. If Salah stays, does Ekitike get regular minutes? If he leaves, should Liverpool target a more proven, high-profile replacement? There's also the Premier League adaptation curve. Bundesliga stars don't always transition smoothly to English football—just look at Timo Werner and Jadon Sancho. At €80 million, this would be a gamble. That said, Ekitike is young, versatile, and showing real potential. If Liverpool believe in his long-term future, it's a move that could pay off. But for that price, fans will want immediate impact, not just potential.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lecce resisting Man Utd move for Dorgu - Monday's gossip
Lecce are "trying to resist" Manchester United's attempts to sign Patrick Dorgu, Neymar ready to sacrifice part of salary to move back to Santos and Aston Villa interested in Chelsea defender Axel Disasi. Lecce president Sticchi Damiani says the club is "trying to resist" Manchester United's pressure to sign 20-year-old Denmark left-back Patrick Dorgu, who the Italian club value at €40m (£33.8m). (Football Italia) Brazil forward Neymar, 32, is prepared to give up a large part of his salary to leave Al-Hilal and return to former club Santos in his homeland. (Footmercato - in French) Chelsea's Portugal centre-back Renato Veiga, 21, was on his way to Turin on Sunday to complete a loan move to Juventus, who do not have an option to buy once the deal runs out at the end of the season. (Fabrizio Romano) Argentina midfielder Emiliano Buendia, 28, has agreed a one-year contract extension to his current deal with Aston Villa, which was due to run out in 2026, amid interest from Germany, Italy and Saudi Arabia. (Athletic) Aston Villa are in talks to to sign Argentina defender Juan Foyth, 27, from Villarreal after failing to bring in French defender Loic Bade, 24, from Sevilla. (Talksport) Chelsea's French centre-back Axel Disasi, 26, is also a target for Aston Villa as they try to bring in a defender before the winter transfer window closes. (Football Insider) Germany forward Timo Werner, 28, on loan at Tottenham from RB Leipzig, is in talks about a move to Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls. (Footmercato - in French) Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he does not know "what the future will bring", with the 33-year-old Dutch centre-back's contract with the Reds running out in the summer. (Liverpool Echo) Rashford willing to take pay cut for Barca move - Sunday's gossip Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get the latest from your club Brentford right-back Mads Roerslev, 25, will fly to Wolfsburg on Monday to complete a medical after the two clubs reached an agreement on a six-month loan deal for the Denmark defender, with an option to buy. (Sky Sports Germany) Strasbourg will make another move for Brentford's 22-year-old Portuguese forward Fabio Carvalho, having had an initial offer to take him on loan rejected by the Bees. (Footmercato - in French) AC Milan will make an improved bid of about €33-34m for Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez, although Feyenoord want €40m for the 23-year-old. (Calciomercato - in Italian) Leicester City and Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Choudhury, 27, is set to join Sheffield United on loan in a deal that includes an option to buy. (Athletic - subscription required) Southampton will listen to offers for Kyle Walker-Peters after Galatasaray made an approach for the 27-year-old English defender, who is out of contract in the summer. (Fabrizio Romano)
