FC Barcelona is about to finalize a deal involving one of the most promising talents from La Masia. The transfer seems imminent, and although the club would have preferred to keep the player, circumstances have led to making an economic decision instead of risking losing him for free in the summer.
A Promise That Grew in La Masia
From his early days at Barça Atlètic, this young figure caught attention for his technical skills and his ability to lead the attack. During the last season, he became an essential piece for the blaugrana reserve team, standing out with goals, assists, and great physical performance.
Despite his merits, the door to the first team seemed closed in the short term. The competitiveness in his position and the preference for other profiles left the player with few opportunities to make the definitive leap.
Barça Atlètic's coach, Albert Sánchez, hinted at the player's disconnection with the team by stating:
"He is not focused here, he is not concentrated on the team."
Saudi Interest, Key in the Operation
Al-Ittihad, a prominent club in the Saudi league, has been the quickest to act. Taking advantage of Barça's trip to Saudi Arabia to play the Spanish Super Cup, the team led by Laurent Blanc accelerated talks with Deco, the blaugrana's sporting director.
Al-Ittihad's offer amounts to 5 million euros, a sum that could be increased with performance-based variables. This move represents an economic opportunity for Barça, which seeks to strengthen its finances in a challenging moment.
Former Barça sporting director, Ramón Planes, has been a key figure in attracting the player to Al-Ittihad's project. With a high salary and the possibility of sharing the locker room with stars like Benzema, Kanté, and Fabinho, the young player has decided to accept the challenge of making the leap.
Moreover, Al-Ittihad's sports project has proven to be ambitious, seeking young talents who can complement the big names already in their team.
A Farewell That Leaves a Void and an Opportunity
Barça, meanwhile, loses one of the most outstanding prospects from its youth academy, although it gains financial compensation at a crucial time. The management, aware of the player's contractual situation, preferred to close the transfer rather than risk losing him for free in the summer market.
Barça's initial idea was for the player to be part of the first team's preseason in the next campaign. However, the player himself felt that his development needed a change of scenery.
The Imminent Outcome
At this moment, Al-Ittihad's emissaries are in Barcelona finalizing the details of the operation. Everything indicates that the official announcement will be made before the end of the week.
For the young talent, this is a golden opportunity to shine in a new environment and gain international experience. On the other hand, Barça will be able to use the income to meet needs, even to strengthen Hansi Flick's team for the final stretch of the season.
Unai Hernández, 20 years old and a native of Montgat, will be the new reinforcement for Al-Ittihad. This forward has been one of the revelations of Barça Atlètic, but economic limitations and the lack of opportunities in the first team have marked his departure.
His stint in Saudi Arabia will be a test to prove that his talent can shine beyond La Masia. Meanwhile, Barça faces a new chapter in its constant quest for balance between sports results and financial sustainability.