Barcelona chiefs at odds with coaching staff over Leeds United-bound Ilias Akhomach
Barcelona chiefs are at odds with coaching staff over the imminent transfer of Ilias Akhomach to Premier League club Leeds United, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The website recently reported (14 March) that the teenager will leave the Spanish side at the end of the season, and that he is currently negotiating a deal with Leeds.
The Yorkshire outfit are “very confident” of landing his signature this summer, with a four-year deal lined up for the young winger [LUFCFANZONE].
“The relationship between the first team and Barca Atletic is very good and there is constant communication between the staff of Xavi and Rafa Marquez, practically daily, also with Joan Barbara as liaison coach,” stated Mundo Deportivo.
“But it is true that there is a significant difference in criteria that distances them when it comes to resolving the situation of Victor Barbera (18 years old) and Ilias Akhomach (18), two of the most important pearls of Barca youth football, youth players who already play in the subsidiary.
“They are two very important players for Rafa Marquez, but they have decided not to renew with FC Barcelona. Despite this, they continue to play a leading role at Barca Atletic, something that is not understood from above.”
Raising eyebrows
Akhomach certainly has a bright future ahead, but a switch from Barcelona to Leeds would certainly raise a lot of eyebrows, particularly if the Yorkshire outfit are relegated from the Premier League this season.
But even at such a young age, the teenager seemingly knows what he wants, and that is a chance to prove himself in the first team of a major club, with opportunities at Leeds more forthcoming than those at Barcelona.
There is, of course, a reliable source for Akhomach to turn to at Barcelona for all things Leeds, with ex-Whites winger Raphinha currently starring for the Catalan club after a successful spell in Yorkshire.
The 18-year-old could also turn to current Leeds winger Willy Gnonto for inspiration, with the Italian international now a Premier League star after coming through the ranks at Inter Milan, but never making an appearance for the Serie A giants.
It may be slightly worrying for Leeds that Akhomach is causing a few issues here and there, but it also shows how much he is valued at Barcelona that they are so reluctant to let him go.
In other Leeds United news, one manager is not impressed with what he has seen from one of the club’s loan players.