Unai Hernández has officially returned to Girona, signing a season-long loan deal from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad that runs through June 30, according to club and media reports. The 21-year-old midfielder joins the Catalan club with a non-mandatory purchase option included in the agreement, as Girona looks to integrate a familiar academy product into the squad for the remainder of the campaign.
A Familiar Face Returns to Catalonia
The transfer brings Hernández back to an environment he knows well. The young playmaker spent his formative years in Girona’s youth categories before transferring to Barcelona during his youth academy days. While with the Blaugrana, Hernández progressed to the reserve team competing in the Primera RFEF, building a reputation as a creative presence in the final third. In 2025, he moved to Saudi Arabia when Al-Ittihad secured his signature for €4.5 million, according to reports from MARCA.
Stint in the Saudi Pro League
During his time in the Middle East, Hernández made nine official appearances for Al-Ittihad during the 2024/25 campaign, contributing one goal and three assists. To gain regular minutes, he was subsequently loaned to Al-Shabab, where he featured in 22 matches and added one assist. Despite competing within the upper echelon of Saudi club football, those minutes paved the way for his return to European competition with Girona, where coaching staff hope his vision and final pass will unlock defenses in the attacking midfield zone.
Roster Integration and Summer Additions
Hernández arrives as Girona’s fifth official newcomer of the summer transfer window. He joins a growing list of reinforcements that includes Oleksandr Pyshchur, Izan González, Iván Morante, and Sergi Puig. Additionally, returning loanees Minsu and Jastin have been assigned official first-team squad numbers for the season.
Next Steps and Fixture Schedule
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