Real Madrid confirm sale of defender Achraf Hakimi to Inter Milan

MADRID - Real Madrid on Thursday confirmed the sale of right back Achraf Hakimi to Inter Milan for 40 million euros (about $45 million).

The move puts an end to speculation that Hakimi could return to the La Liga leaders for next season after a successful two-year spell on loan with German side Borussia Dortmund, for whom he made 54 league appearances, scoring seven goals and providing several important assists.

The deal also includes a clause in which Madrid would be given first option to buy the defender if Inter want to sell him in the future.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane was asked about the player's future during his Wednesday press conference and gave an enigmatic reply that "on one hand there is the sporting side of things and the other there is the economic side."

One of the main reasons Madrid have looked to cash in on Hakimi's performances is that the club have Spanish international right back Dani Carvajal in their squad, as well as 50 million euro signing, Alvaro Odriozola, who spent the past six months on loan at Bayern Munich.