Girona are trying to pull off a significant homecoming as they step up their push to return to the Spanish top flight. The Catalan side have reportedly set their sights on former Barcelona youth prospect Unai Hernandez, who is currently going through a difficult period in Saudi Arabia.

Montilivi club plan rescue move

Girona have moved into the closing phase of their pre-season build-up for the new LaLiga Hypermotion campaign, but there are still more doubts than certainties around the squad. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Nastic in their final pre-season friendly, Quique Alvarez's team go into the competitive season having managed only one win across the whole preparation period.

As per reports from Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiya, the answer could be a notable return for a player who knows the club extremely well. Al-Ittihad are currently assessing a formal offer from Girona to sign Hernandez on a season-long loan.

Financial obstacles and loan formula

The structure of the move remains the main issue for all parties, especially because of the sizeable salaries currently being paid to players in the Middle East. The proposal put forward by Girona involves the club taking on only a limited part of the midfielder's high wages, while Al-Ittihad would be expected to pay the rest of his salary.

For Hernandez, the transfer would offer an opportunity to rediscover the level that once made him one of the most exciting young players in Catalonia. The Malgrat de Mar-born footballer is reportedly attracted by the possibility of feeling important again in his home region.

From La Masia to Jeddah

Hernandez's career has taken in a series of major moves over the last few seasons. Before attracting attention with his switch to Barcelona, the attacking midfielder spent his early development years in Girona's academy. In 2022, he took the important next step by joining La Masia, where he eventually became an essential part of the Barca Atletic setup.

His rise was impressive enough for Al-Ittihad to make a firm move for him in January 2025. The Saudi club paid Barcelona a fee of €4.5 million, along with several performance-related add-ons, to sign one of La Masia's standout talents. But life in Jeddah has proved difficult, and the midfielder was later sent on an internal loan to fellow Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab.

Girona seek key promotion lift

Now the club where he first developed is prepared to throw him a lifeline. Girona see Hernandez not only as a gifted young player, but also as someone who understands the club's identity and the scale of the challenge ahead. At 21, he has the technical ability to control matches in the second division, and his knowledge of the domestic game means he would require little or no settling-in time.

With the transfer window still open, Alvarez is eager to add more creativity in the final third. The attacking responsibility has weighed heavily on the side during pre-season, and Hernandez's ability to find spaces between the lines could be the missing element. As Girona get ready for their league opener, the hope is that an agreement can be completed quickly to bring the local talent back to where his journey began, potentially changing the direction of their entire promotion bid.