11/18/2023 at 09:05
CET
December 2021. The Hernández Lorenzo family receives a call. The message, clear: “We are interested in your son.” He was a representative of FC Barcelona.
Unai, the firstborn, he was leaving in Girona. At that time he was playing in the Juvenil A and had even trained on occasion with Míchel in the first team. It was a “club bet.” The parents preferred not to say anything to the boy. Until it was something formal and definitive, it was not advisable to decenter it.
The Malgrat midfielder continued doing his thing. Enjoying and growing into a juvenile from Girona with a wonderful litter. A team that played and in which Unai was like a fish in water. March arrived and not only was the Barça thing still going, but it was very serious. They wanted to sign it as soon as possible. So they did transmit it to Unai. The boy was delighted in Girona, but of course, he was a culé since he was little. One of those who buys a new kit every year and goes to the Camp Nou often. It was difficult for him, but he finally decided to accept the ‘transfer’ to Barcelona.
NEW LIFE
At 18 years old, The Maresmense embarked on a new path. He placed himself under the orders of Òscar López. And, far from having a progressive adaptation, he entered on a very good footing. He was a very protagonist in a season in which Barça won the League with solvency. Not only was he establishing himself, but he was making inroads with Barça Atlètic, with whom he debuted on January 21 in Calahorra. He played in the Youth League and ended up being one of the most outstanding, scoring 15 goals in all competitions. Despite playing inside, he had a lot of offensive weight.
The jackpot for Malgrat arrived on June 4. He received the call from Xavi to be included in the first team squad to travel to Vigo. A dream that I didn’t expect to come so soon. Before, he had already been able to participate in a session with the first Barça team. He could barely sleep, a nervous wreck. Of course, it was entering the green and everything passed. That’s what this boy has, he is pure dynamite with the ball at his feet. When it comes to playing, doubts and tension are put aside.
A TOP COURSE
There was still the icing on the cake for that first Barça season. Xavi called him again, this time to travel to Japan and play a friendly against Vissel Kobe. Not only was he going to have the opportunity to play his first minutes with the seniors, but He was going to be able to meet his great idol of always, Andrés Iniesta. In fact, the man from La Mancha visited the Blaugrana in the locker room and Unai was able to take a photo with him. It is his mirror when it comes to playing.
After the holidays and already in his first year as a senior, Unai joined the ranks of Barça Atlètic under the tutelage of Rafa Márquez. Posh signings, top-level youth players. It was not going to be easy to find a place in the Kaiser of Michoacán’s eleven. But quickly The man from Mares demonstrated his credentials. So much so that he has become one of the essentials. With an enormous weight in attack (three goals and three assists in nine games) and not only that, but also entering the first team dynamic on several occasions.
Unai has been called up to the first team on two occasions (against Betis and Athletic). In fact, the first team staff follows him closely and he is a profile that they like. It is likely that we will see it debut soon, time after time. Of course, Unai is focused solely and exclusively on performing with the reserve team. Everything he arrives from there is welcome.
Last week he scored a double against Sabadell and gave quite a performance. By the way, he is not the only family member at La Masia. His brother Unax, who is a pivot, is progressing well in the Barca Infantil B team.
