Ex-Barcelona Midfielder to Leave Al-Ittihad Just Seven Months After Joining from La Liga Giants as Switch to Saudi Pro League Rivals Nears

Ex-Barcelona Midfielder to Leave Al-Ittihad: A Short-Lived Adventure in Jeddah

When Unai Hernandez packed his bags in January and left Barcelona Atletic for the bright lights of Jeddah, many thought he was embarking on a long and promising career in the Middle East. The €5 million fee, the buzz around his arrival, and his pedigree as a former Barcelona captain all hinted at a young player ready to explode on the Saudi stage.

Fast forward just seven months, and the story has taken an unexpected turn: Ex-Barcelona midfielder to leave Al-Ittihad is now the headline making waves across the Saudi Pro League. Hernandez is heading out on loan to rivals Al-Shabab, seeking the playing time and responsibility he struggled to secure under Laurent Blanc at Al-Ittihad.

What Happened? Why Ex-Barcelona Midfielder to Leave Al-Ittihad So Soon

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Hernandez simply found himself on the fringes at Al-Ittihad. Despite arriving with great promise, he featured just nine times in the Saudi Pro League last season, starting seven of those games. He even scored his first professional goal in Saudi Arabia and played a small but notable role in Al-Ittihad’s league and cup double last term.

But football can be a cruel business. For all his flashes of quality, Hernandez wasn’t trusted in the opening weeks of the new season, left out of the squad entirely for their curtain-raiser. For a 20-year-old with ambition, that was a red flag. The message was clear: minutes would be hard to come by in Jeddah.

Unai Hernandez Barcelona 2024

The Bigger Picture: Why Ex-Barcelona Midfielder to Leave Al-Ittihad Benefits All Parties

While some fans may question why Al-Ittihad would let a talented young midfielder walk, the context matters. Hernandez is not being sold outright. Instead, the move to Al-Shabab is a season-long loan. That means he can get the minutes he needs, play in a role that suits him, and still return to Jeddah with more experience and maturity.

For Al-Shabab, the signing is a coup. Their new boss Imanol Alguacil—himself with roots in Spanish football—was reportedly insistent that Hernandez be brought in. He sees him as a perfect fit for the creative No. 10 role, dictating play and unlocking defenses. If things go as planned, Hernandez could quickly become a central figure in Riyadh.

For Hernandez himself, this is the opportunity to prove he belongs at this level. Sitting on the bench at Al-Ittihad might preserve his reputation, but playing week in, week out for Al-Shabab could elevate it.

Ex-Barcelona Midfielder to Leave Al-Ittihad: The Negotiation Behind the Move

Interestingly, the loan deal didn’t come without its complications. Al-Shabab initially wanted to include a purchase option, giving them the chance to secure Hernandez permanently if he impressed. But Al-Ittihad flatly refused. They still see him as a valuable asset and weren’t prepared to risk losing him for good.

At one point, Al-Ittihad even pushed for a January return clause, which would have allowed them to recall him midway through the season. But that too was dropped in negotiations. The final agreement is simple: a one-year loan, no buy-out clause, no recall option.

It’s a calculated gamble. If Hernandez shines at Al-Shabab, his value will rise, and Al-Ittihad could bring back a more polished midfielder. If he struggles, they’ve at least ensured he gets game time somewhere else.

Did You Know? Ex-Barcelona Midfielder’s Journey Was Always About Risk

For those unfamiliar with Hernandez’s career path, it’s worth remembering that leaving Barcelona at just 20 years old was already a bold move. He was captain of Barça Atletic, highly rated, and many thought he’d at least break into Xavi’s first-team plans eventually.

Instead, he chose the Saudi Pro League. Some said it was too early. Others saw it as a sign of maturity—recognizing that opportunities at Camp Nou are rare, and taking a different road could pay off. Now, just months into that road, he’s taking another detour. But that’s often how careers unfold for young players. They zig and zag before finding stability.

Ex-Barcelona Midfielder to Leave Al-Ittihad: What It Means for the Club

For Al-Ittihad, the move also highlights a shift in priorities. With stars like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Fabinho carrying the bulk of the responsibility, there’s less urgency to develop youngsters like Hernandez right now. The focus is on winning titles—and Blanc seems to prefer experience over promise.

Sending Hernandez out ensures they don’t completely stall his development while keeping the squad focused on the short-term goals. The double-winning champions want to repeat their success, and that requires every piece of the puzzle to be in top form.

The Role Awaiting Hernandez at Al-Shabab

At Al-Shabab, the script will be very different. Alguacil wants Hernandez to be the creative heartbeat of the side. That means more responsibility, more pressure, but also more freedom. Playing as a No. 10, he’ll be tasked with linking midfield to attack, threading passes, and occasionally chipping in with goals.

This is exactly what he needs. At Al-Ittihad, his role was often restricted, asked to play safe and tidy. At Al-Shabab, he’ll be encouraged to express himself, to show the flair that once made him such a promising product of La Masia.

What Next for Ex-Barcelona Midfielder to Leave Al-Ittihad?

Al Ittihad v Damac FC – Saudi Pro League

The future is wide open. This season at Al-Shabab will be defining. If Hernandez thrives, he could return to Al-Ittihad as a ready-made star, forcing his way into the starting XI. Alternatively, if the move goes exceptionally well, Al-Shabab could push again for a permanent transfer next summer.

For now, though, the focus is simple: play, grow, and prove himself. Hernandez has the technical ability, the education of Barcelona, and now the platform of Saudi Arabia’s rising league to showcase it all.

Conclusion: Ex-Barcelona Midfielder to Leave Al-Ittihad but the Story Isn’t Over

The headline may sound dramatic—Ex-Barcelona midfielder to leave Al-Ittihad just seven months after joining from La Liga giants—but the reality is more nuanced. This isn’t the end of the road with Al-Ittihad; it’s a strategic loan designed to give a talented youngster the stage he deserves.

For Hernandez, it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative of his Saudi adventure. For Al-Ittihad, it’s a smart move to protect both player and club interests. For Al-Shabab, it’s a golden opportunity to add flair and creativity to their midfield.

Football careers are rarely straightforward. Hernandez’s journey is proof of that. But if he takes this chance, we might look back in a year or two and say this loan spell at Al-Shabab was the turning point.