Girona submit loan-to-buy proposal for Al-Ittihad midfielder Unai Hernandez

Al-Ittihad are considering a proposal from Girona for Unai Hernandez as the Saudi club continues to finalise its squad before the start of the new season.

Sources quoted by Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya say Girona, who compete in Spain’s second tier, have asked to take Hernandez on loan. The proposal would allow the arrangement to become a permanent transfer at the end of the season rather than requiring an immediate full sale.

Girona would cover only a limited portion of Hernandez’s wages during the loan, with Al-Ittihad continuing to pay the remainder. That financial structure has added to the uncertainty surrounding the 20-year-old’s future.

Al-Ittihad left Hernandez out of their pre-season preparations in Spain as the club attempted to find a solution for the player. However, the club has yet to receive an offer it considers suitable, leaving the proposal from Girona under consideration as the “Tigers” prepare to begin their campaign.

The issue comes at a significant point for Al-Ittihad, who are also preparing for an important fixture in the qualification play-off for the AFC Champions League Elite. The club’s delegation is due to travel to Abu Dhabi on Sunday on a private aircraft before facing Al Jazira of the United Arab Emirates next Tuesday.

Al-Ittihad will be seeking a strong response after a disappointing season in which they surrendered the Saudi Pro League title to Al-Nassr and lost the King’s Cup to Al-Hilal. They finished fifth in the Saudi Pro League, a position that fell well short of expectations.

Hernandez joined Al-Ittihad in January 2025 from Barcelona B on a three-year contract. He has made 10 appearances for the club, scoring once and providing three assists.

The Spanish midfielder did not play in the Saudi Pro League during the previous campaign. His only appearance came in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final against Al-Nassr, when he played eight minutes in a match Al-Ittihad ultimately lost.

Before moving to Al-Ittihad, Hernandez spent time on loan at Saudi club Al-Shabab. During that spell, he played 31 matches in domestic competitions but registered only one assist and did not contribute a goal.

The proposed move to Girona therefore offers Al-Ittihad a possible route to reduce their squad and wage commitments, although the limited share of the salary covered by the Spanish club means the deal would not immediately resolve the financial burden. A decision is expected as the Saudi side completes its preparations for the new season and the decisive meeting with Al Jazira.