La Masia is turning out a high number of offensive players recently, which can help FC Barcelona gather considerable talent without spending much on outside sources. However, not all the players developing at the youth academy can get into the Barcelona first team, and will have to look outwards to further develop their careers.
This is particularly the case with one of the jewels coming out of La Masia in recent seasons, Ilias Akhomach. Akhomach has been giving impressive performances with the Barcelona B team and has also made some appearances with the first team under Xavi, but may be leaving the club at the end of this season.
His current contract runs up to June 30 of this year, and the player and the club have been unable to come to terms for an extension. FC Barcelona did put up an offer to renew his contract, but SPORT reports that their offer was significantly lower than the offers Akhomach has received from some clubs in England and Italy.
Premier League club Leeds United are currently in the pole position to get the player. The player himself is keen on such a move because he believes it will allow him to make the jump to a higher level and gradually become a fine footballer at the European level.
While Barcelona will be losing a good talent from their academy, the move is not entirely a loss for the Catalan club. SPORT further reports that the Cules are currently negotiating with Ilias to put a price tag on the player, along with a percentage of rights in case of future sale, in exchange for allowing Ilias to train at the club.
Thus, FC Barcelona will be compensated fairly enough, even if they lose Akhomach to Leeds or another English or Italian side at the end of the season.
