Some at Barcelona believe Ilias Akhomach should be dropped by the club’s B team with the winger expected to join Premier league outfit Leeds United ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo.
If Barca’s reserves exist purely to provide a platform for those deemed to have a bright future at the Camp Nou, then Ilias’ continued presence in the starting XI is understandably coming under question.
The 18-year-old forward will be a free-agent in July, and has already decided not to sign a contract extension. Mundo Deportivo believe that AC Milan and Sevilla have expressed an interest. But Ilias is in advanced talks to join Leeds instead. An agreement with the Elland Road outfit could even be agreed within the coming weeks.
Ilias has played 20 times under former Mexico international Rafael Marquez for Barcelona’s B team in 2022/23. Some of Marquez’s superiors, however, believe that Ilias should be dropped in favour of another up-and-comer. One more committed to the Barca cause.
The same fate could befall Victor Barberra, scorer of eight goals in 23 games under Marquez. Barberra will join Belgian giants Club Brugge this summer, following Ilias out the door.
Leeds United close to signing Ilias Akhomach from Barcelona
A left-footed right-winger once labelled the ‘new Lionel Messi’ by former Barcelona youth director Patrick Kluivert; Leeds may have a former fans’ favourite to thank if or when Ilias does arrive in West Yorkshire.
Because, after making his first-team breakthrough under Xavi in 2021, Ilias tumbled back down the pecking order after Barcelona brought in a certain Brazil international by the name of Raphinha. Ilias has not been included in any of Xavi’s matchday squads since Raphinha’s arrival.
“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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