FC Barcelona's promising young striker Unai Hernández is on the verge of moving to Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League team. Hernández, who has shone this season with Barça Atlètic by scoring nine goals and assisting three more, was recently absent from the squad during their match against Ourense, signaling the imminent nature of his transfer.
According to various reports, including those from SPORT, Hernández has agreed to leave the Catalan club, where he has spent most of his formative years since joining La Masia from Girona at just 11 years old. His consistent performances and dedication to training earned him significant playing time this season, making 20 appearances for Barca Atlètic, which has recently undergone name changes, calling their second team by this newer moniker.
The 20-year-old striker's transition to the first team, directed by coach Hansi Flick, has proven challenging. The competition is fierce, especially within the midfield, where several established stars have solidified their positions. Yet, there have been glimpses of hope for Hernández, as he joined the senior team's preseason tour to the United States—where they played teams like Manchester City and Real Madrid—indicating his impressive potential.
Despite this promising start, it appears Hernández has opted for a move to Al-Ittihad, where he is expected to earn notable playing time. This direction was reportedly encouraged by former FC Barcelona Sporting Director Ramon Planes, currently at Al-Ittihad, who initiated discussions concerning Hernández's future. Al-Ittihad's interest is seen as financially beneficial for Barcelona, with the transfer likely costing around $6.3 million (€6 million). Given the expiring contract of Hernández, which runs until June 30, Barcelona seems poised to cash in on this potential transfer instead of risking losing him for free.
The relationship between Hernández and his current head coach Albert Sánchez has recently become strained. Following Hernández's decision to sit out the match against Ourense, Sanchez expressed disappointment, stating, "The fact Unai did not play is because he does not have his head here. He is not thinking even with his head on the team, so he is a player who did not serve us today." Sánchez's comments highlight Hernández's wavering commitment amid the transfer discussions.
Further elaborations from Sánchez show his frustration about the timing of Hernández's decision, "I'm not here to talk about exits. I know the market time is until the 30th. We thought he wasn't ready to play the game and that's why we didn't put him in. A player who is not focused on the team does not contribute anything to us." Such sentiments paint a picture of the delicate situation as FC Barcelona looks to balance nurturing young talents and pursuing worthwhile financial decisions.
For Hernández, moving to Al-Ittihad could present not just financial incentives but also significantly more playing opportunities. The Saudi Pro League has been making headlines with high-profile signings, including the likes of Karim Benzema and Neymar, contrasting the competitive nature of La Liga where established players dominate. Al-Ittihad believes Hernández's skill set aligns perfectly with their ambitions and squad requirements, giving him the chance to develop away from the intense scrutiny of Barcelona.
With the clock ticking toward the end of January transfer window, all eyes are on Hernández and his next steps. For Barcelona, this transaction might mean changes within their reserve ranks or slight adjustments to their strategy as they continue to focus on youth development. For the young player, it marks the beginning of what hopeful fans are certain will be the next exciting chapter of his career, where he can finally become the star he has always been projected to be.
While Hernández's immediate future remains uncertain, the conversations between Barcelona and Al-Ittihad continue to develop. Industry insiders suggest the negotiations are advanced enough for Hernández to expect confirmation soon. Whether he transitions to familiar surroundings or forges entirely new paths with Al-Ittihad, the coming days will prove pivotal for this young player with immense potential.