
La Masia academy this summer, as one of their leading coaches is reportedly heading to the United States.
Hernández, the younger brother and long-time assistant of Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández, has been instrumental in shaping some of the club’s most promising young talents. While his contributions have mostly taken place behind the scenes, his influence has been widely recognized by club insiders. With deep ties to La Masia’s philosophy, he has played a pivotal role in preserving and evolving the playing style that has long defined Barcelona’s footballing identity.
Although the exact nature of his new role in the United States has yet to be confirmed, sources suggest Hernández will join a top-tier MLS club in a strategic and developmental capacity. The move is seen as part of a broader push by American clubs to import European footballing expertise, particularly from academies renowned for producing technically gifted players. His departure underscores the growing influence and appeal of MLS as a destination for elite football minds, not just players.
Barcelona, meanwhile, face a critical juncture. The loss of Hernández adds to the list of structural changes that have rippled through La Masia in recent years, from financial constraints to shifting priorities under new management. The club remains committed to its academy-first ethos, but replacing a figure so deeply embedded in its developmental DNA will be a difficult task.
Hernández’s decision to leave is believed to be a personal one, driven by the desire to expand his horizons and take on a fresh challenge. His move could also pave the way for future collaborations between La Masia and American football institutions, further internationalizing the influence of Barcelona’s storied academy.
As Barcelona prepare for life without one of their trusted youth architects, the focus now shifts to how they will maintain the high standards that La Masia is known for — and who will be entrusted with carrying that legacy forward.