Southampton Star Tipped as Perfect Backup Option for PSG’s Achraf Hakimi

PSG took a big risk last season by relying on just one right-back, Achraf Hakimi. But with Hakimi set to play for Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations and the usual risks of injury, it’s clear the club can’t afford to have no backup.

With a month left in the summer transfer window, it makes sense for PSG to look for a reliable backup who can step in when Hakimi is away at AFCON or needs a rest.

Manager Luis Enrique shouldn’t have to keep playing players out of position at right-back when there is still time to find a proper option in the transfer market.

Should PSG look to England for a right-back?

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In his latest column for Ensemble PSG, Zach Lowy, co-creator of Breaking The Lines, noted that the Parisians should look at Southampton standout Yukinari Sugawara as the ideal backup for Hakimi.

“Confident and comfortable when receiving the ball, Sugawara thrives at bombing forward and making his way into the box before firing a dangerous ball in the box,” Lowy wrote. “He’s a superb playmaker, capable of breaking the lines with his piercing through balls and free kicks, and linking up with his teammates with his impressive associative play.

“A speedy wingback, Sugawara remains focused and holds his own in 1v1 duels, always remaining close to his man and preventing him from getting too much separation. Similarly to the 24-year-old Vanderson, he is approaching the prime of his career at 25, and it’s likely he’d prefer a year in the Champions League and Ligue 1 than scraping it out in England’s second tier.”

The 25-year-old made 32 appearances for the English club last season, recording one goal and one assist. Nonetheless, with Southampton in the Championship, perhaps the Japanese player would welcome a return to first-tier football.