Unai Hernandez set to join Girona on loan from Al-Ittihad

Girona have reached an agreement with Al-Ittihad to sign Spanish midfielder Unai Hernandez on a season-long loan, according to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya.

The proposed deal also includes an option allowing Girona to buy Hernandez’s contract when the loan spell ends. The Spanish club will pay only a small part of the player’s salary during the forthcoming season, with Al-Ittihad covering the remaining amount.

The agreement follows a period of consideration for Al-Ittihad, whose management examined Girona’s proposal before deciding the next step in Hernandez’s future. The club had been weighing whether to retain the Spaniard in its squad or approve a temporary move to Girona.

Hernandez’s expected departure comes as Al-Ittihad work to organise their squad ahead of the new season. His situation was therefore considered as part of the club’s wider decisions over the composition of the team and the players who will remain on its list.

The arrangement would allow Hernandez to continue his career in Spain while remaining under contract with Al-Ittihad, at least until Girona decide whether to activate the purchase option after the loan period. Girona would contribute to his wages, but the Saudi club would still be responsible for most of the salary under the reported terms.

No further details about the value of the potential permanent transfer have been provided in the report. The length of the loan, however, is understood to be one season, with the purchase clause becoming relevant once that period has concluded.

Al-Ittihad’s decision followed an assessment of both possibilities available to the club: keeping Hernandez as part of the first-team group or allowing him to leave temporarily. The report indicates that the club ultimately accepted the loan proposal as it continues to prepare its squad for the campaign ahead.

For Girona, the agreement would provide the opportunity to work with Hernandez for the next season before making a final decision on whether to sign him permanently. For Al-Ittihad, the deal would enable the club to reshape its squad while retaining an arrangement under which it continues to pay the larger share of the player’s salary.

Hernandez is expected to move to Girona once the reported agreement is completed, although the information available does not specify when the transfer will be formally announced.