Barcelona’s promising young midfielder, Unai Hernandez, is on the verge of sealing a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad before the January transfer window slams shut.
Barcelona midfielder Unai Hernandez nears €5M transfer to Al Ittihad
The 20-year-old, who has been a standout performer for Barca B this season, is eager to embark on a new challenge after finding his path to the first team increasingly obstructed.
Hernandez, a La Masia graduate, has been a key figure in Barca B’s midfield setup, showcasing his talent and consistency.
However, with young stars like Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal breaking into Flicks’s senior squad, Hernandez’s opportunities at the top level have remained limited.
Adding to the competition, Barcelona’s decision to extend Ronald Araujo’s contract has further complicated the youngster’s chances of making the leap.
In search of regular first-team football, Hernandez is now ready to take a bold step and move to Saudi Arabia, where Al Ittihad is prepared to meet Barcelona’s asking price of €5 million.
The Saudi club, eager to bolster their squad, is reportedly being aided by former Barcelona sporting director Ramon Planes, who played a crucial role in facilitating the negotiations from his current position in Jeddah.
Despite Hernandez’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Barcelona holds an option to extend his stay until 2027, allowing them to command a transfer fee instead of losing him on a free transfer.
While the club is aware of his importance to Barca B’s fight against relegation in the Primera Federacion, financial constraints and the urgent need to fund new contract extensions for stars like Pedri and Lamine Yamal could push them to greenlight the deal.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, talks have already begun between Al Ittihad and Hernandez’s representatives, with the player keen on completing the move before the January window closes.
The deal would not only provide Hernandez with a fresh opportunity to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage but also grant Barcelona a much-needed financial boost.
As the transfer window enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on Barcelona’s next move, with fans and pundits alike watching closely to see how the club balances its financial priorities with sporting ambitions.