Premier League side close to signing Barcelona talent

Barcelona could lose one of La Masia’s brightest talents to a Premier League club fighting a relegation battle after failing to tie down Ilias Akhomach to a new long-term contract.

Leeds United, who sit in the relegation zone after just one win in their last five Premier League games, are working on building their squad for the next season. Whether their new signings will play in England’s top-flight or the Championship is anyone’s guess at the moment.

Javi Garcia is yet to get his side going after replacing Jesse Marsch at Elland Road in February. Regardless, the former Valencia manager is making plans for the next season, and could soon add a talent from La Liga to his roster in west Yorkshire.

Ilias Akhomach, after impressing at the youth level for Barcelona, was rewarded with two La Liga appearances last season. But things are very different this campaign, and a place on the bench against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League during the group stage was the closest he came to any first-team action.

Premier League side close to signing Barcelona talent

Now, he’s on the verge of leaving Camp Nou. According to Mundo Deportivo (via The Sun), the 18-year-old will leave Barca at the end of the season, with Leeds closing in on securing his transfer. The club is in advanced talks to sign the talented winger.

Akhomach is also attracting interest from AC Milan, Sevilla and Club Brugge, but for now, Leeds appear to be in the driving seat.

The Premier League strugglers’ summer signing of Italian talent Wilfried Gnonto following Raphinha’s departure to Barcelona has worked relatively well. As such, a move for another prospect is understandable.

However, in order to attract more stars, Leeds need to ensure they remain a Premier League club next season as well. Barcelona, meanwhile, should focus on keeping hold of prospects like Akhomach.