Al Ittihad convince Barcelona to sell them 19-year-old prodigy

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the club's debts were "abominable"

Al Ittihad convince Barcelona to sell them 19-year-old prodigy

Ayoola Kelechi 22:10 - 28.01.2025

The youngster will now move from the Catalans to join the Saudi Pro League giants

Barcelona have reportedly agreed to the departure of 19-year-old La Masia gem Unai Hernandez to Al Ittihad.

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A deal worth €4.5 million, with an additional €0.5 million in potential add-ons, has been finalised, ending Hernandez’s promising tenure with the Blaugrana for now.

Hernandez opts for move abroad after first team frustrations

Hernandez, the captain and top scorer of Barça Atletic with nine goals in 20 appearances, had grown disillusioned with the lack of first-team opportunities at Barcelona.

This frustration created the perfect opening for Al Ittihad, whose technical secretary, Ramon Planes—a former Barcelona sporting director—used his inside knowledge to secure the young star.

Barcelona and Hernandez had been unable to agree on a new contract, and Al Ittihad’s lucrative offer came at an opportune time, leading to a swift agreement between clubs.

Barca forward UNAI HERNANDEZ (14) moves the ball during a preseason friendly soccer match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona || Image credit: Imago

Despite his departure, Barcelona retains a sell-on clause, ensuring future financial benefits should Hernandez thrive in Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona trade in future star to solve current problem

The move is a blow to Barca Atletic manager Albert Sanchez, as his side sits precariously near the relegation zone and are now set to lose both a leader and a top scorer mid-season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta || image credit: Imago

While Hernandez’s departure marks the loss of a bright talent, it could aid Barcelona’s financial situation. The transfer fee brings them closer to meeting salary space requirements to pursue Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford on loan.

Barcelona need an estimated €6 million to fund Rashford’s move, but selling Hernandez is a step forward, with another Barca Atletic talent, Pau Prim set to move to Qatar and further bolster their finances.

Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is expected to leave Manchester United (Credit: Imago)

The lure of Middle Eastern clubs continues to attract top young talents, but Barcelona will not mind, at least for now if it helps them sign one of their top targets.

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