Leeds United win the race for young Barcelona winger Ilias Akhomach
The forward will join the English club when his Barça contract expires
If there are no unforeseen changes, Ilias Akhomach will play for Leeds United for the next few seasons. The winger's contract with Barcelona expires on 30 June and after failing to reach a renewal agreement, although it would have been his wish, he will close his future with the English club in the next few hours.
Several teams have shown strong interest in Ilias, including another Premier League side, Arsenal. Italian giants Milan and Sevilla were also bidding for his services, but in the end the game was won by Leeds with a project that has convinced the player.
The club, with Javi Gracia as coach and Víctor Orta as sporting director, put a lot of confidence in young players and are putting together an interesting sporting project, although possibly at the expense of maintaining their Premier League status. Currently, they are fifth from the bottom with only a two-point cushion. But their intentions go beyond what division they are in.
Starter with Xavi
Ilias, who even started Xavi Hernandez's first game as Barcelona coach, has not been able to find continuity in the top flight. This season he has played for the reserve team but with a youth team registration, although he has not played as a starter for the team coached by Rafa Márquez since 7 January, in the 1-1 draw against UD Logroñés.
In the last match, the 3-0 win over SD Logroñés, Ilias was left on the bench without playing time.
The club will not be left empty-handed with the departure of Ilias and the formula is being finalised. The forward has always expressed his Barcelona sentiment, but the lack of opportunities and the lack of an attractive proposal to renew have led to a change of scenery. Leeds have made a strong move for the skillful winger.
