Recent reports have confirmed that Unai Hernández, a promising young midfielder from FC Barcelona, is on the brink of joining the Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad. The deal, estimated at an initial €4.5 million (around $4.7 million), is set to be finalized this week as Hernández prepares to travel to Jeddah. The young talent, who has had an impressive season playing for Barcelona’s reserve team, is expected to contribute significantly to his new club, which is currently vying for the top position in the Saudi Pro League alongside Al Hilal.
At just 20 years old, Hernández has emerged as a noteworthy prospect by scoring nine goals in 20 appearances for Barcelona’s B team, showcasing his ability to create opportunities and finish effectively. However, with a contract that is due to expire in the summer and a competitive first-team line-up featuring established players like Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Gavi, the young midfielder has decided to seek new opportunities elsewhere—specifically in the lucrative realm of Saudi football.
The Role of Ramon Planes
A pivotal figure in Hernández’s transfer is Ramon Planes, the sporting director of Al Ittihad. Planes, who has a background with Barcelona, has utilized his connections and expertise to persuade Hernández to make the leap to the Middle East. This strategic recruitment aligns with the increasing trend of European talents moving to the Saudi Pro League, where clubs are not only investing heavily in established stars but are also looking for younger talents to build their future. Under the guidance of renowned coach Laurent Blanc, Al Ittihad is aiming for success and Hernández may prove essential in achieving those ambitions.
Hernández’s decision to leave Barcelona, despite the club’s willingness to renew his contract, sheds light on the challenges faced by young players in top-tier teams. The competition for spots in the starting eleven can often stifle the development of emerging players, leading them to make calculated moves to clubs where they can gain regular playing time and have a more substantial role. Such decisions revolve around the greater goal of personal development rather than merely following a traditional footballing path.
Hernández’s departure is also significant for Barcelona’s broader transfer strategy. The club is reportedly looking into sustainable ways to strengthen its squad in January. With the potential earnings from Hernández’s transfer, Barcelona might find itself in a position to pursue sought-after players like Marcus Rashford from Manchester United. However, the club’s financial constraints raise concerns about its ability to register new signings within the regulations of La Liga.
Recent discussions hint that other players, such as Eric García, Ansu Fati, and Andreas Christensen, could also be transferred to create salary cap space. The complexities of these negotiations illustrate the financial realities clubs face, especially as they balance between their ambitions and financial regulations. Coach Hansi Flick’s comments point to a critical understanding of the club’s needs while simultaneously expressing confidence in his current squad’s quality and team dynamics.
Hernández’s move to Al Ittihad is not an isolated event but rather part of a larger narrative regarding the growing investment in football by Saudi Arabian clubs. With high-profile signings such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Fabinho, Al Ittihad aims to solidify its position in domestic and continental football. These investments reflect a robust strategy to elevate the league’s status, attracting talent globally and increasing the competitive nature of the Saudi Pro League.
Approximately aligned with the broader ambitions of FIFA and the growing international interest in player development, transfers like Hernández’s depict a shift in how younger talents perceive their career trajectories. Instead of simply basing their decisions on traditional European paths, players are increasingly considering leagues that may seem unconventional but offer opportunities for significant growth and visibility.
The transfer of Unai Hernández to Al Ittihad not only marks an important step in his career but also embodies the larger shifts occurring in the football world. With the Saudi Pro League continuing to attract global attention and talent, players must navigate their ambitions within a changing landscape that prioritizes development alongside financial viability. Barcelona’s strategy, including the development of young talents and careful navigation of financial constraints, reflects the ongoing evolution of football as a global sport. As Hernández embarks on this exciting new chapter, both he and Barcelona will be keeping a keen eye on their respective futures.