FC Barcelona has made a significant move in the basketball transfer market by signing veteran Georgian forward Tornike Shengelia to a three-year contract, marking the club's first addition ahead of the 2025-26 season. The announcement comes on the heels of the team's elimination from the EuroLeague playoffs, where they were narrowly defeated by AS Monaco in a thrilling series that concluded with an 85-84 loss.
Shengelia, who is 34 years old and stands at 2.06 meters, will bring a wealth of experience to Barcelona, having established himself as one of the top power forwards in Europe. This season, he averaged an impressive 15.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while playing for Virtus Bologna in the EuroLeague. His contract with the Italian club is set to expire in June 2025, allowing him to join Barcelona without a transfer fee.
The deal includes an optional third year and a mutual release clause, providing both parties with flexibility. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the signing was finalized after Barcelona confirmed the renewal of Kevin Punter, ensuring that the club retains one of its key players until 2028. Punter's presence will complement Shengelia's skill set as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing playoff exit.
Shengelia's journey in professional basketball has been noteworthy. Before his time at Virtus Bologna, he enjoyed a successful spell with Baskonia from 2014 to 2020, where he became a fan favorite and led the team to significant victories, including the Liga Endesa title in 2020. He also played for CSKA Moscow from 2020 to 2022, but left the club amid political controversies following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
His experience in the NBA, where he played 45 games with the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls after being drafted 54th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2012, adds to his credentials. Shengelia is not only known for his scoring ability but also for his leadership on the court, making him a valuable asset for Barcelona.
Barcelona's decision to sign Shengelia comes as a response to the unexpected injury of Chimezie Metu, who is currently rehabilitating after undergoing Achilles surgery. Metu had been a key player for the team, averaging 11.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game before his injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. With Metu ruled out for at least nine months, Shengelia's arrival is seen as a crucial reinforcement.
As Barcelona prepares for the upcoming season, they will look to build on their recent performance in the EuroLeague, where they finished fifth in the regular season with a 20-14 record. The team, guided by coach Joan Peñarroya, is focused on retaining the core of their roster while integrating new talent like Shengelia.
Shengelia's signing is particularly significant as he becomes the first Georgian player to don the Barcelona jersey. His background as a homegrown player, having trained at Valencia Basket, allows him to fill a crucial roster spot without affecting the team's foreign player limit in the Liga Endesa.
In this season's EuroLeague, Shengelia showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 15.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over 28 appearances. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute both offensively and defensively will be essential as Barcelona aims to compete for titles in both domestic and European competitions.
Looking ahead, Barcelona's management, including sporting director Juan Carlos Navarro, is actively working on finalizing the roster for the next season. The focus will be on maintaining a competitive edge while ensuring that the team can adapt to the challenges posed by injuries and player departures.
The excitement surrounding Shengelia's signing reflects the club's ambition to return to the top of European basketball. As the team gears up for the new season, fans will be eager to see how the addition of Shengelia influences Barcelona's performance on the court.
In conclusion, Tornike Shengelia's arrival at FC Barcelona marks a new chapter for both the player and the club. With a storied career and a reputation for excellence, Shengelia is set to make a significant impact as Barcelona looks to reclaim its position among the elite in European basketball.
