La Masia has always been the backbone of FC Barcelona’s success. The academy has gifted the first team with some of the best players in history like Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and the best player ever Leo Messi. In recent years, the addition of La Masia graduates like Gavi, Araujo, Cubarsi, Yamal, Balde, Fermin, and Casado has helped the club return to winning ways.
Saudi club tempts Barca’s promising winger
Every youngster in the academy dreams of playing for the first team but when there is no room in their position they have to start looking for other opportunities. Unai Hernandez had a similar situation and chose to opt for a more financially rich project rather than fight for his spot in the first team.
According to reports by Fabrizio Romano Saudi club Al Ittihad has sealed the signing of 20-year-old La Masia midfielder Unai Hernandez from Barcelona. âŹ4.5m fixed fee, âŹ500k add-ons and a sell-on clause are also included in the package.
Unai’s possible reasons for leaving
The winger was a promising young prospect for FC Barcelona as they are on the hunt for a left winger to add more options to Hansi Flick’s arsenal. However, Unai was possibly not optimistic about receiving a first-team call from Hansi Flick as Raphinha despite being an inside left forward remains the undisputed favourite to start as Barca’s left winger.
Another reason could be the temptation of the massive financial benefits that Saudi clubs keep on attracting European players with. His salary at Al Ittihad will surely increase at least 5 times of what he had at Barca Atletic.
Barca should protect their younger players better as they are the future of the club and can help them define another glorious era like Pep Guardiola’s home-grown super team.