There were reports in Spain during the final weeks of last season suggesting the Whites were close to agreeing a move for the 19-year-old as he contract with the Catalan giants came to an end. After working his way through the famous La Masia Academy, Akhomach went on to make three senior appearances for Barca, featuring in La Liga wins against Real Mallorca and Espanyol and a Copa del Rey victory against minnows Linares.

However, he had not done enough to secure a long-term deal at the Camp Nou and opted against a move to Elland Road before penning a three-year deal with La Liga club Villarreal. Akhomach has gone on to make five appearances for his new club and his form earned him a maiden call-up to the Spain Under-21 side last month as he marked his debut with a goal and an assist in a Euro Under-21 Championship qualifying win against Malta.