# Unai Hernandez: “Football Doesn’t End at Barcelona” – Star Explains Shock Al-Ittihad Move

Former Barcelona academy starlet **Unai Hernandez** has opened up about his surprising decision to leave the La Liga giants at just 20 years old, defending his move to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad as a calculated step for his career. In a candid interview, the midfielder pushed back against critics, highlighting his immediate success in the Middle East and explaining why the opportunity was too good to refuse.

The departure of a promising La Masia graduate is always a topic of intense debate among Barcelona supporters. For decades, the academy has been the lifeblood of the club, producing generational talents. However, Hernandez’s case represents a growing trend of young players seeking alternative pathways to first-team football and career progression. While the allure of the Camp Nou is undeniable, the midfielder insists his choice was based on logic, ambition, and a clear vision for his future.

### The Difficult Decision to Leave a Boyhood Club

Leaving the club you’ve grown up with is never an easy choice. For Hernandez, who joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at a young age, the decision was fraught with emotion. However, he revealed that the move was precipitated by a stalemate in contract negotiations and a lack of a clear pathway into the senior squad.

“Everyone dreams of playing for the Barcelona first team, and I am no different,” Hernandez stated. “But you have to be realistic. The competition is immense, and sometimes the timing isn’t right. When we discussed my future, the guarantees I was looking for weren’t there. It wasn’t about money; it was about opportunity and feeling valued in a long-term project.”

At 20, Hernandez found himself at a career crossroads. He could either wait for a potential chance at Barcelona, a chance that might never come, or take control of his destiny. The offer from Al-Ittihad provided a concrete and exciting alternative. They presented him with a central role in their ambitious project, a promise of consistent playing time, and the chance to compete for titles immediately.

## Why Unai Hernandez Views the Saudi Pro League as the Perfect Next Step

The midfielder was quick to dismiss any notion that his move to Saudi Arabia was a step down. Instead, he framed it as a strategic leap forward, citing the rapid growth and quality of the league. He joined a star-studded Al-Ittihad side, sharing a dressing room with global icons, an experience he believes has accelerated his development.

“People in Europe might have a certain perception, but they need to watch the games,” he explained. “The level is high, the intensity is there, and you are playing with and against world-class players every week. To learn from some of the best in the game every day in training is an education you cannot buy.”

Since arriving, Hernandez has seamlessly integrated into the team, and his confidence is soaring. He has already lifted two domestic trophies with the Saudi Pro League champions, a feat he proudly points to as justification for his move. “Some said I was chasing a paycheque. I’ve won more senior trophies in my short time here than many players do in several years in Europe. For me, this is what football is about: competing and winning. The adaptation has been a piece of cake because the club gives you everything you need to succeed.”

### A New Era for Player Pathways

The journey of **Unai Hernandez** reflects a significant shift in the global football landscape. For years, Europe’s top five leagues were seen as the only destination for ambitious talent. However, the investment and strategic growth of leagues like the Saudi Pro League are providing viable and attractive alternatives.

Hernandez believes his success can serve as a blueprint for other young players who may feel stuck in the bottleneck of elite European academies. “My message is simple: football doesn’t end at Barcelona, or Madrid, or Manchester,” he asserted passionately. “There is a whole world of football out there. You have to find the place that is right for you, where you can play, develop, and be happy. For me, right now, that place is Al-Ittihad.”

His development has not gone unnoticed, and his performances are a testament to the value of consistent senior-level experience. While the path he chose is unconventional, **Unai Hernandez** is proving that talent can flourish anywhere, provided it is given the right environment and opportunity to grow. As he continues to thrive, more eyes will undoubtedly turn to the burgeoning league he now calls home. For more news on transfers and player stories, check back with us often; for more news visit our homepage.