Victor Orta comments on Leeds United transfer pursuit of Barcelona starlet Ilias Akhomach
Victor Orta has admitted that Leeds United’s pursuit of Barcelona starlet Ilias Akhomach is “complicated”, but hopes he can get it over the line.
The Whites have been linked with a move for the 18-year-old winger, with reports in Spain suggesting that a deal could be completed before the end of March.
And in an interview with Spanish media (28 March), Orta admitted that there is interest in the player but says it will be “very difficult” because there are many teams in the running.
“He is a footballer whose contract ends, and there are many teams in the race to get his services,” he said.
“It’s going to be complicated. A player with so much talent, in such a special contractual situation, is going to be very difficult. We’ll see who gets it.
“He is a decisive player, a Spanish talent, trained in Barcelona that puts you in another range. But I do not know.
“He has earned the ability to choose his next sporting step and the one he chooses will surely be good for him, for his family and for his environment that will surely help him choose well.”
Cards close to his chest
As expected, Victor Orta is keeping his transfer cases close to his chest but this seems like a deal that is much closer to being done than isn’t.
Akhomach is very highly rated in Spain and it’s no surprise that Leeds have competition for his signature this summer, but most reports seem to believe that this is their deal to seal.
Orta has always been good at convincing young players looking for a platform that Elland Road is the place to go, with the likes of Raphinha, Wilfried Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra among his better signings.
There is a long way to go this season though, with Leeds far from guaranteed safety in the Premier League and you’d have to imagine that if the team were to be relegated that the player could change his mind.
It would be in the club’s best interests to get a deal sealed as quickly as possible to avoid that happening, which is why Orta says it’s difficult, but fans should be confident we’ll get it wrapped up sooner or later.
In other Leeds news, Orta has sparked fresh doubt over his Leeds future after admitting “Selfish” plans for the future.
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