Barcelona Superstar Unai Hernandez Confirms Shock Exit Amidst Transfer Rumors to Join Saudi Pro League Giants Al-Ittihad
An FC Barcelona star has agreed to leave the club and join Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League according to various outlets including SPORT, which cited anonymous sources.
Rising Star’s Departure
Unai ‘Hernandez’ landed in La Masia at the age of 11 from its Girona counterpart, and continued advancing through the age categories before making his debut for the reserve side – then still known as Barca B – in 2022. This season at Barca Atletic, as the second team is called these days, he has been its most prominent appearance maker with 20 outings that have yielded nine goals and three assists.
Unai Hernández is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.
Born on November 1, 1989, in Pamplona, Spain, he began his youth career at CA Osasuna.
Hernández made his professional debut in 2008 and has since played for several clubs, including Athletic Bilbao and Eibar.
He is known for his versatility and ability to play in various positions.
Breaking Through to the First Team
Breaking through to Hansi Flick’s senior side has been as difficult as it is for any youngster in and around the club, with midfield perhaps the toughest nut to crack given the wealth of talent on offer there. Starting XI regular Marc Casado is a living and breathing example of the fact that the transition can happen for some, though, and ‘Hernandez’ being taken on the preseason tour of the United States last summer for friendlies against the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid could be taken as proof that he had done something to impress Flick in training.
Forcing a Move
It now seems as if we’ll never know whether the 20-year-old will follow in Casado’s footsteps, because ‘Hernandez’ is forcing a move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Pro League outfit which also boasts Karim Benzema and is second to Neymar‘s Al-Hilal in the local top flight has former Barca Sporting Director Ramon Planes occupying the same role in the Middle East.
Transfer Details
In recent days, ‘Planes’ has contacted ‘Hernandez’s entourage’ to sound out a potential move which SPORT says should cost around $6.3 million (€6 million). The operation has advanced to the extent that ‘Hernandez’ asked Barca B head coach Albert Sanchez not to be included in the team that faces Ourense at the weekend because of the ongoing negotiations.
Contract Situation
With ‘Hernandez’ only boasting a contract until June 30, however, it is better that Barca cashes in on him now as opposed to losing him for free in just over five months’ time.
