Victor Orta’s departure at Leeds United means Barcelona winger Ilias Akhomach will not be leaving the La Liga leaders for the Premier League strugglers during the summer transfer window.
According to Diario Sport, a deal to take the Spain youth star to Elland Road during the summer transfer window was ‘practically a done deal’.
But while all that was left was for Leeds to cross the T’s and dot the I’s, Orta’s sudden exit on Tuesday morning served to only throw any proposed contract into the nearest shredder.
Victor Orta leaves Leeds United
Leeds confirmed following the latest in a series of heavy, humiliating defeats – the Whites going down 4-1 at AFC Bournemouth – that long-serving director Orta would pay with his job, the Spaniard sacked following a couple of largely unsuccessful transfer windows and following the struggles of both Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia.
“I am deeply saddened by the way this chapter closes. Victor has been responsible for some of the best moments of my time as owner of Leeds United,” chairman Andrea Radrizzani sighs, highlighting the role Orta played in luring Marcelo Bielsa to West Yorkshire five years ago.
“I thank him and his people, for all they have done. However, it is clear it is time to change direction and therefore we have agreed Victor will leave the club. I understand supporters are hurt and upset, but now is a time for unity.
“We have four cup finals left to play this season and working together, I believe we can survive.”
Ilias Akhomach will not be joining from Barcelona now
Ilias Akhomach could have become Orta’s final signing at Elland Road. According to Diario Sport, however, a deal for the Barcelona teenager – while close – was not completed. Now, it seems it will never be.
Sport add that Ilias would join on the proviso that he would be working alongside both Orta and Gracia.
Now, Gracia is almost certain to follow Orta out the door now; The Guardian reporting that veteran Sam Allardyce should now become Leeds’ fourth head coach of a tumultuous season.
“He is a footballer whose contract ends. There are many teams in the race to get his services. A player with so much talent, in such a special contractual situation. (He) is going to be very difficult (to sign),” Orta told Relevo a few weeks ago.
“We’ll see who gets him. A decisive player, a Spanish talent, trained in Barcelona.
“He has earned the right to choose his next step. The one he chooses will surely be good for him, for his family and for his environment.”
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