Leeds United appear close to securing a transfer coup this summer in signing talented Barcelona forward Ilias Akhomach – a player who Victor Orta believes to possess “so much talent”.
Leeds’ director of football claimed as much in a recent interview with Spanish media outlet Relevo, yet also admitted any deal will be “complicated” in nature.
The Whites have been strongly linked with Akhomach in recent weeks, as the West Yorkshire outfit reportedly battle fellow Premier League side Arsenal for the 18-year-old’s signature.
Although, SPORT report that it is Leeds who are currently in pole position to sign the Spain Under-19s international, with a deal rumoured to be agreed in the summer when Akhomach’s contract with Barcelona expires.
Taking advantage of this situation would allow the Whites to gain the services of a highly regarded youth prospect as a free agent. Despite his tender age, Akhomach has already made 3 appearances for Barcelona’s senior side.
Orta was quick to praise the Spanish wonderkid’s potential when asked about Leeds’ chances of signing him, but also nuanced this by claiming that a deal may be hard to agree given that numerous other clubs are also interested.
“He is a footballer whose contract ends, and there are many teams in the race to get his services. It’s going to be complicated. A player with so much talent, in such a special contractual situation, is going to be very difficult,” Orta said.
“We’ll see who gets it. A decisive player, a Spanish talent, trained in Barcelona. He has earned the ability to choose his next step and the one he chooses will surely be good for him, for his family and for his environment.”
If Orta manages to get this deal over the line, Akhomach would become the newest addition to an already impressive crop of younger players that Leeds have at their disposal.
