Spanish newspaper SPORT claim that Leeds United had agreed a deal for Ilias Akhomach but it has now collapsed due to the exit of both Victor Orta and Javi Gracia – with Sam Allardyce said to be planning for ‘other footballers’.
Akhomach, 19, is expected to be on a number of clubs’ shortlists this summer – with his Barcelona contract due to expire at the end of the season. Leeds had won the race to land the Spain U19 star, but now a deal is off the table.
Orta was confirmed as leaving Leeds last week ahead of the appointment of Allardyce. It comes after a string of poor signings, while managers Jesse Marsch and Gracia did not work. All of which were appointed by Orta.
Akhomach was said to have agreed to join Leeds largely due to Orta and the chance to work under Gracia. Now, Gracia has also lost his position at Elland Road and that has seen a move for Akhomach collapse. Others are keen.
The report states that Arsenal have made an offer – as have Milan and Sevilla. Interestingly, the report also says that a move has also ended with Allardyce ‘planning through other footballers’. It might be that Big Sam stays on.
Akhomach deal has now collapsed due to Leeds exits of Orta and Gracia
Akhomach is obviously a talent but keeping deals alive after the loss of Orta is not going to be a priority for Big Sam, Angus Kinnear and the rest of the Leeds board. Simply, it is going to be about keeping Leeds in the Premier League.
Right now, though, that looks unlikely. Leeds seem as though they are as good as down after Everton shocked all to beat Brighton 5-1 away from home. It has seen Leeds slip to 19th place, with Newcastle, West Ham and Spurs next.
