Leeds United will find ideal Raphinha replacement in Barcelona winger Ilias Akhomach
Leeds United are reportedly leading AC Milan in the race to sign FC Barcelona winger Ilias Akhomach in the summer transfer window.
According to LUFCFANZONE, Victor Orta even met the 18-year-old’s representatives and it does seem to be positive as things stand.
The above source can be deemed credible as they broke a story of Leeds being unaware of Mateusz Klich’s presence at a game before his farewell and Andrea Radrizzani confirmed that their story was true.
Via Twitter, LUFCFANZONE wrote: “EXCLUSIVE: Leeds United are leading AC Milan to sign Barcelona youngster Ilias Akhomach.
“A source close to the player has told us Victor Orta has met the player’s representatives on multiple occasions, however ‘the deal is looking good but not 100% complete yet’.”
The Spaniard’s contract at Camp Nou expires at the end of the season and negotiations over a new deal at the club are not currently on the right track.
Leeds parted ways with Raphinha at the start of the season and while they signed Luis Sinisterra and Willy Gnonto, neither of them are like the Brazilian.
Raphinha was a mainstay on the right and he had brilliant close control and ability to beat defenders for dead with his pace and dribbling ability.
He was also a good chance creator and a threat in front of goal – something Leeds have direly missed this season.
In Akhomach, they may not get someone as good as Raphinha, but he ticks a lot of boxes in terms of his playing style and he’s even been likened to Lionel Messi by former Barca director Patrick Kluivert.
For a free transfer, signing the Spaniard may not be the worst idea in the world and hopefully, we see progress on this front in the coming weeks.
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.
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