Barcelona look like they are set to lose one of their most talented prospects from La Masia in a deal to take them to Saudi Arabia. Technically gifted and versatile, talks are in the final stages for 19-year-old forward Unai Hernandez, between Barcelona and Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ittihad.
The two sides have been in talks for Hernandez in recent weeks, after Al-Ittihad's move for Hernandez convinced the teenager to make the jump. Sport says a meeting took place earlier in the month between the two sides, while Barcelona were in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, and the Catalan giants were more or less forced to listen, with Hernandez looking to make the move.
That information is confirmed by MD and Fabrizio Romano says that a formal offer has been sent for Hernandez for around €4-5 million. He currently has 18 months left on his deal, and in theory an option to unilaterally extend the contract for another two years, but that could be legally challenged. It is believed that Monday could be decisive in negotiations, while the deal could be announced on Thursday or Friday. However, the Blaugrana have tried to extend his deal without success.
Former Barcelona technical secretary Ramon Planes is the current sporting director at Al-Ittihad, and it is believed that the lack of first-team opportunities is key to his decision. This season he has 9 goals in 20 appearances for Barca Atletic and has accepted the B team.
However, it is a deal that could open the door to a move for Marcus Rashford for Barcelona. It is believed that Barcelona need to find €6 million in their salary cap to make the move happen for the Manchester United forwards, and if the Hernandez switch can come close, they could potentially convince United or Rashford in a compromise.
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