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Laporta Faces Pressure as Saudi Clubs Eye Barcelona’s Rising Star, Unai Hernández

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Joan Laporta and the Barcelona board find themselves in yet another challenging situation as Saudi clubs intensify their efforts to lure Europe’s young and talented players. This time, the spotlight is on Unai Hernández, a promising forward from Barcelona’s revered La Masia academy. Once considered the club’s next big star, Hernández could be on his way out, with Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al-Ittihad reportedly making a lucrative offer to secure his services.

At just 20 years old, Hernández has impressed in Barcelona’s B team with his clinical finishing and tactical intelligence. Despite the club’s initial intent to tie him to a long-term deal, negotiations over a contract extension have stalled in recent weeks, paving the way for his potential exit. With his contract set to expire on June 30, Barcelona risks losing one of their brightest talents if swift action isn’t taken.

Barcelona’s financial difficulties have added another layer of complexity to this situation. The club is still grappling with debt and wage constraints, forcing them to make difficult decisions about player sales to balance the books. While much of the focus has been on offloading first-team players like Ansu Fati and Eric García, Hernández’s potential departure could provide a short-term financial boost — albeit at the cost of losing a future star.

Reports from Spain suggest that Hernández himself has taken steps toward an exit. The forward recently asked Barcelona B manager Albert Sánchez not to include him in the squad for a match against Ourense, citing ongoing negotiations with Al-Ittihad. His absence was a noticeable one, as the team struggled to a 1-1 draw.

Sánchez later addressed Hernández’s omission, stating, “Unai didn’t play because he wasn’t mentally focused. He informed us about his situation, and we decided it was best for the team to move forward with players who are fully committed to our objectives.” The coach’s comments hinted at an air of inevitability surrounding the player’s departure, especially with the January transfer window in full swing.

The rumored deal with Al-Ittihad, reportedly being brokered by former Barcelona sporting director Ramon Planes, is said to be worth between €5 million and €6 million. This figure significantly exceeds Hernández’s current market value of €1 million, making it an attractive proposition for Barcelona. However, it also underscores the growing financial power of Saudi clubs, who are unafraid to spend big on young talent from Europe.

Hernández’s performances this season have only increased his value. He has been a consistent starter for Barcelona B, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. His contributions have been vital in keeping the team competitive, and many fans had hoped he would eventually break into the first team.

Despite his achievements, Barcelona’s financial priorities seem to outweigh their long-term plans for youth development. Club officials, led by Deco, have been exploring ways to generate funds for potential first-team reinforcements. Among their top targets is Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, a player who could transform Barcelona’s attacking line. The sale of Hernández could provide the financial leverage needed to pursue such high-profile signings.

The potential transfer has sparked mixed reactions among Barcelona supporters. While some understand the club’s financial constraints, others see Hernández’s sale as another example of Barcelona prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. Many fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, urging the board to reconsider their approach to youth development.

For Hernández, a move to Saudi Arabia could represent a significant career shift. Although the Saudi Pro League lacks the prestige of European competitions, the financial incentives and promise of regular playing time could be too enticing to ignore. Al-Ittihad, one of the most ambitious clubs in the league, has already made headlines by signing established stars, and Hernández’s arrival would signal their intent to invest in younger talents.

As the transfer deadline approaches, the pressure on Laporta and his team continues to mount. Barcelona must decide whether to prioritize financial relief or hold onto a player who could play a crucial role in their future. Meanwhile, Hernández’s agents are reportedly pushing for a resolution, with Al-Ittihad eager to finalize the deal before the January window closes.

This saga highlights the shifting dynamics of the football transfer market, where clubs like Barcelona are increasingly vulnerable to the financial power of leagues outside Europe. For Laporta, this is yet another reminder of the challenges that come with leading a club struggling to maintain its identity amidst financial turbulence.

Will Unai Hernández become the latest young talent to leave Barcelona for a lucrative opportunity abroad? Or can the club find a way to keep him and secure a brighter future for their academy graduates? Only time will tell as negotiations unfold in the coming weeks.

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