Barcelona forward agrees four-year deal to join Premier League side

BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 20: Ilias Akhomach of FC Barcelona looks down during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on November 20, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 20: Ilias Akhomach of FC Barcelona looks down during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on November 20, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona could lose yet another talented forward from their ranks after failing to tie down Ilias Akhomach to a new contract.

The La Liga leaders sanctioned Jutgla’s transfer to Club Brugge before the start of the new season. Nine months on, the decision to allow the Spaniard to depart Barcelona seems questionable, to say the least.

Jutgla is enjoying a prolific spell at this new club, having been directly involved in four goals in seven Champions League appearances. Barcelona, meanwhile, are expected to jump back into the transfer market to find a new backup striker.

Amid their own transfer search, Barcelona are now set to lose another attacking prospect.

Barcelona forward agrees four-year deal to join Premier League side

According to EL Chiringuito TV, Akhomach has agreed to a four-year contract to join Leeds United. The 18-year-old will move to the Premier League side for free when his Barca contract runs down at the end of the campaign.

A lot was expected of the Spanish-Moroccan forward, who made his senior Barcelona debut against rivals Espanyol last season. But now it appears he will realize his potential in England.

Ever since Raphinha’s transfer to Barcelona, Leeds have been looking for a reliable goal-scorer from the flanks. Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra and Wilfried Gnonto all arrived at Elland Road last summer in the wake of his exit. But the trio have struggled to put the ball in the net on a regular basis, leading to Jesse Marsch’s sacking.

The West Yorkshire outfit, who are now managed by former Valencia boss Javi Gracia, find themselves only a point above the relegation zone after their 1-0 loss at Chelsea this weekend.

Raphinha, meanwhile, has enjoyed a run of games under Xavi following Ousmane Dembele’s injury. With Valencia up next in the league, the Brazilian will hope to add to his tally of four La Liga goals in 22 appearances.