Leeds United have come out on top against Arsenal in their pursuit of 19-year-old Barcelona wonderkid Ilias Akhomach.
According to SPORT, Leeds United have won the race for the signature of Ilias Akhomach. The English club have secured the services of the 19-year-old Barcelona wonderkid. And if things go according to plan, the teenager should be playing for the English club next season.
Akhomach has been on the radar of multiple top clubs from across Europe for a while now. The 19-year-old is considered a huge future prospect, and clubs were eager to acquire his services. However, it seems Javi Gracia’s team have managed to strike a deal for the Spain Under-19 star as per the reports.
The teenage wonderkid has come up the ranks in Barcelona’s youth academy, and he has also featured for their first team. The 19-year-old has three first-team appearances, and it looked like he was destined for greatness with the Catalan giants. However, things have taken a huge turn of late.
Akhomach’s contract at FC Barcelona is all set to expire in the summer. The club as well as the player were eager to pen down a contract extension. But, they have failed to reach a common ground which has resulted in the teenager looking for opportunities elsewhere.
It seems he has found the right fit in Leeds United. Gracia’s men have struggled in the ongoing season. They are currently 16th in the Premier League and are fighting for survival in the English top flight. However, the 19-year-old is convinced by the idea of joining the English club. He believes in the project at hand under manager Javi Gracia and sports director Víctor Orta.
Akhomach’s involvement at Barcelona has declined of late after they failed to reach a contract extension. And, his departure in the summer is almost a certainty. While Leeds have won the race for the teenage sensation, Arsenal were also in the race for the Barcelona wonderkid.
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The 19-year-old winger was on the radar of the Gunners, and they were keen on having him in their squad. Mikel Arteta’s team revolves around young talented players, and he would have loved to have Akhomach at his disposal. However, it seems Arsenal have been beaten by Leeds United.
