The future of FC Barcelona’s La Masia graduate Ilias Akhomach is uncertain following his probable departure from the club in the summer of 2019. According to reports, Arsenal, Sevilla, and AC Milan are all interested, but Leeds United may just have the upper hand.
The winger is in camp with Spain’s U19 national team at the time of writing. Many have said that the Premier League would be an excellent match for his skill set and pace.
While he has not played much for the senior team, he was a starter in Xavi’s first game as coach. Both he and Victor Barberá, an eighteen-year-old centre forward slated to join with Belgian club Club Brugge KV, are not favourites to remain with Barcelona.
Lamine Yamal, another promising young winger, is thought to be a target for Barcelona’s retention efforts.
While Ilias Akhomach is best used as a right winger, he also has the versatility to play on the left side, as an attacking midfielder, or even as a false nine. He plays with great skill, body balance, and acceleration, but he is also completely unexpected. He excels in confined places and can easily win a combat against two or three opponents.
Just like you’d expect from a La Masia graduate, he also possesses ample of imagination on the field. Ilias has the ability to create space for himself and play accurate long balls or passes between the lines. He has exquisite ball control and is a constant threat in the penalty area. Likewise, their ball handling, mobility, and tactical acuity are all top-notch. With all these advantages, his opponents will have a tough time stopping him.
Arsenal were said to be favourites to land him, till Leeds United popped up in the rumour mill.
What do you think? Will Arsenal invest in Ilias Akhomach?