Villarreal confirm signing of Ilias Akhomach from Barça as free agent

Villarreal have confirmed the signing of Ilias Akhomach, a player who developed at Barcelona but decided not to renew his contract in order to leave on a free transfer.

Ilias, 19, was one of the great prospect at the Catalan club, but there was no agreement for him to extend and he has preferred to leave to have minutes in the Primera Division elsewhere. Barça tried to convince him to stay, but the player decided to leave and also rejected some big offers.

The Spanish-Moroccan winger will join Villarreal's preseason once he finishes his participation at the European Under-19 Championship with Spain.

At Barça, he was considered one of the most talented players in the youth system and was a clear choice to go straight up to the reserve team. He even played in the first team, but did not have continuity and did not see the club's commitment to his career clearly.

Leeds United and Milan also came knocking on his door, but the winger has decided to go to Villarreal and play in LaLiga.