Ilias Akhomach will leave Barcelona in the summer and it is Leeds United who are leading the race to sign the 18-year-old at the end of the season, according to a report from Sport.
Despite what his Wikipedia page may already say, the teenager is not yet a Leeds player. But it seems that Victor Orta is working hard on convincing the winger to move to Elland Road in the coming months.
Certainly, it would appear that Akhomach will leave Camp Nou in the summer. According to Sport, Barcelona’s contract offer for the youngster is well below what he is being offered elsewhere.
Leeds at forefront for Ilias Akhomach deal
It is not clear what Leeds are offering. But Sport claims that the Whites are at the forefront of the bidding war for Akhomach. Barcelona meanwhile, will be due compensation should he leave in the next window.
Leeds, of course, have done some brilliant work when it comes to strengthening their youth ranks in recent years. Several talented prospects have ended up at Elland Road.
And signing Akhomach would be a coup and a statement of intent. A 2020 article from Football Talent Scout described the youngster as one of the most ‘spectacular’ players at La Masia.
He is predominantly a right winger. But he is left-footed, so he can play on the opposite flank, as well as through the middle.
He has now made a handful of appearances for Barcelona’s first-team. So it would be an exciting piece of business if Leeds can win the race.
But you would imagine that the Whites’ immediate future will have implications for their chances of securing a deal. Of course, we remain in a relegation battle in the Premier League.
Akhomach is unlikely to be a regular starter immediately wherever he goes. So he may be open to joining a club which offers him a clearer path to the first-team.
However, he will surely take some real convincing if Leeds end up with a ticket to the Championship next season.
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