Leeds United slammed as Ilias Akhomach edges closer to transfer, Sky Sports pundit wants investment elsewhere
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Paul Robinson believes Leeds United should be focussing on their academy instead of signing younger players from other clubs' youth systems.
Mundo Deportivo claim (29 March) that Barcelona youngster Ilias Akhomach is extremely close to completing his move to Elland Road, with the deal all but done.
However, Robinson feels players such as 18-year-old are stunting the development of Leeds' own homegrown talent.
"The recruitment has been good and they've spent a lot on recruiting players but you question why they are having to look elsewhere," Robinson exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
"Their academy is strong and these players [Ilias Akhomach] are stopping their own players coming through the academy.
"They've done an excellent job with the under-21s but their scouting network concentrates heavily on that area and it's very strong but it's disappointing that sometimes it's stopping other younger talents coming through.
"You would expect them to have a better line of products rather than spending money elsewhere.
"You question the club's academy if they're needing to recruit so heavily at that age. If they spent the money on the academy and got it up to standard then those players would be coming through the ranks at Elland Road.
"From the outside looking in you have to question why they're investing so heavily in that area."
Leeds have also signed the likes of Sonny Perkins, Willy Gnonto, Mateo Joseph and Sam Greenwood from other clubs' youth systems in recent years.