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Report: “Pearl” of Barcelona not pleasing boardroom as Leeds United transfer nears

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Barcelona winger Ilias Akhomach is nearing a move to Leeds United this summer, and Camp Nou figures believe he should be frozen out of the squad in the meantime.

Every season since promotion has seen Leeds pursue a handful of bargain youth signings from across Europe in order to bolster the youth side on the cheap.

It’s paying dividends at the moment, and is a business model that is expected to bring further signings this summer.

Ilias Akhomach to Leeds?

One transfer that Leeds already look to be pushing through ahead of the end of the season is that of Barcelona youth winger Ilias Akhomach, who has made a big impact at the Camp Nou in the last two seasons, making his debut under manager Xavi while seriously impressing for the youth side.

El Chiringuito‘s Marcos Benito reported recently that Leeds had reached an agreement for the Spain youth international to move to Elland Road in the summer when his contract expires.

What’s the latest?

Mundo Deportivo are now reporting that the board at Barcelona seem to disagree with the choice of Rafa Marquez to continue playing the winger while he is set to leave for Leeds after rejecting fresh contract proposals:

“It is true that there is a significant difference in criteria that distances them when it comes to resolving the situation of Víctor Barberá (18) and Ilias Akhomach (18), two of the most important pearls of Barcelona’s base football, youth who already play in the subsidiary.

“They are two very important players for Rafa Márquez, but they have decided not to renew with FC Barcelona. Despite this, they still have a lot of prominence in Barça Atlètic, something that is not understood from above.”

Will Leeds stay up?

Yes

Yes

No

No

It’s a tough balancing act for Marquez in the youth setup to have to deal with his best players itching to leave for better first-team opportunities.

On the one hand, they clearly aren’t part of his plans, but on the other, they are too good to be dropped.

Hopefully an agreement is confirmed soon by Leeds, to put this speculation to rest so the winger can prepare for life in England, while Leeds bid to stay in the Premier League.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.