Barcelona loses a great academy talent - his transfer to Saudi Arabia is expected

Barcelona look set to lose a talent from their academy as he is expected to soon secure a move to Saudi Arabia.

We are talking about Unai Hernandez, who has excelled in the ranks of La Masia in recent seasons and has been a key player in the Barcelona B midfield this season.

However, his path to the first team seems to have been blocked, with Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal already playing.

Barcelona's decision to renew Ronald Araujo's contract seems to have unnerved the player and he is now eyeing a move to the Middle East.

Former Barcelona sporting director Ramon Planes is reported to have played a key role in the negotiations as part of his new job in Jeddah.

Hernandez's current contract expires at the end of the season, but with Barcelona holding the option to renew it until 2027, the Blaugrana could demand a lot of money from the Arab giants.

Barcelona will reportedly demand at least €5 million to allow his sale, and Al-Ittihad are prepared to meet their demand.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the first contacts between the parties have already taken place and the 20-year-old wants the transfer to be completed before the close of the January transfer window./Telegraph/