Barcelona on the verge of Saudi Arabia sale which could unlock Marcus Rashford transfer | OneFootball

Barcelona look as if 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 over the past couple of weeks, after Al-Ittihad’s move for Hernandez convinced the teenager to make the jump. Sport say that a meeting took place between the two sides earlier in the month while Barcelona were in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Supercup, and the Catalan giants were more or less forced to listen, with Hernandez keen to make the move.

Image via FC Barcelona

That information is corroborated by MD, and Fabrizio Romano says that a formal offer has been sent for Hernandez of around €4-5m. He currently has 18 months left on his deal, and in theory an option to extend the contract unilaterally by two years, but that could be disputed legally. It is believed that Monday could be decisive in negotiations, while the deal could be announced on Thursday or Friday. The Blaugrana have tried to extend his deal without success though.

Former Barcelona Technical Secretary Ramon Planes is the current Sporting Director at Al-Ittihad, and it is believed that the lack of opportunities in the first team are key to his decision. This season he has 9 goals in 20 appearances for Barca Atletic, and has been captaining the B team.

It is a deal that could open the door to a move for Marcus Rashford for Barcelona though. It is believed that Barcelona need to find €6m in their salary limit to make the move for the Manchester United forward happen, and if the Hernandez switch can get close, they may be able to persuade United or Rashford into a compromise.