Ilias Akhomach will leave Barcelona on a free transfer this summer with Premier League outfit Leeds United at the front of the queue to sign the La Liga starlet, according to Sport.
Funnily enough, it was the sale of former Elland Road favourite Raphinha to Barcelona during the summer of 2022 that sparked the series of events which could eventually lead to Ilias moving in the other direction.
A left-footed right-winger labelled the ‘new Lionel Messi’ by former Blaugrana youth chief Patrick Kluivert, Ilias made his first-team breakthrough during Xavi’s first season in charge but tumbled down the pecking order again once Raphinha arrived.
Ilias has not made a matchday squad for any of Barcelona’s La Liga fixtures in 2022/23.
And, with his contract expiring this summer, Sport believe that a ‘decision has already been made’. The 18-year-old La Masia graduate will say his goodbyes; Barca’s most recent contract offer not in the same league as clubs in England and Italy are willing to offer.
Leeds United favourites to sign Barcelona’s Ilias Akhomach
Sevilla are reportedly keen on the silky Spain U19 international. But it is Leeds United, Sport say, who are currently at the front of the queue. It is a deal that has Victor Orta’s fingerprints all over it; Leeds’ Spanish director of football once again hot on the heels of one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers. Orta has succeeded in bringing Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville and Joe Gelhardt to West Yorkshire.
“He is a great player with enormous potential,” Ilias’ agent, Horacio Gaggioli, told Cadena Ser. “They train him well at Barcelona, and he has a very clear head.
“He had several clubs from Europe looking at him at that time (before joining Barca in 2017). Real Madrid wanted to sign Ilias. He chose Barca.
“He is a great player with a huge ceiling.”
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