Thomas Heurtel and FC Barcelona, it was almost done and it was to be the French signing of the week in the EuroLeague. However, the president of the club – Joan Laporta – cut short the agreement in principle between the player and the team, leaving Heurtel on the sidelines even though he had just arrived in Catalonia. We retrace the events together.
We strongly believed in the return of Thomas Heurtel to Barça. First, because the local media, including Mundo Deportivo, which closely follows Blaugrana news on site, announced the agreement in principle between the player and the team. An expected return to Catalonia for a player who has already known the club.
The context of FC Barcelona
In a bad position both in Liga Endesa (8th with 7 wins for 6 losses) and especially in the EuroLeague (11th with 10 wins for 9 losses), FC Barcelona Basquet would have needed a veteran leader, who knows the competition and even the house. Raul Neto was also cut due to injuries and an arrival at post 1 would only have done good. With this in mind, Heurtel's signature appears perfect. Experience to manage the game and offload boys like Juan Nuñez, very young.
Friday morning: arrival in Catalonia, all is well
The player, accompanied by his family and his agent, arrives this Friday morning in Barcelona from China. A disembarkation awaited by the local media who questioned Thomas Heurtel as soon as he left the plane. The words are kind, the player expresses his happiness to re-engage with the training he knew between 2017 and 2021.
‼️ LAST MINUTE ????️ @daniaguila12
???????? THOMAS HEURTEL and Barcelona
???????? Heurtel, has @EsportsRAC1: 'I've spoken to everyone: Navarro, Mario, Joan… I'm very happy and really looking forward to getting started'
'I've trained a lot since I've been in China and fitness is not a problem' pic.twitter.com/R9fuBXFBLe
— Esports RAC1 (@EsportsRAC1) https://twitter.com/EsportsRAC1/status/1875104947060310352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
He explains in particular that he was able to speak with Juan Carlos Navarro (sporting director) and Joan Peñarroya (coach), the two members of the club having a lot of excitement at the idea of having Heurtel in the squad. Basically: everything is for the best in the best of all possible worlds.
Friday noon: Joan Laporta blocks the signing
President of FC Barcelona in its entirety, whether football, handball and basketball, Joan Laporta blocks the finalization of Thomas Heurtel's contract almost at the last minute. Thunderclap, no one expected it. The player's agent – David Carro – explained that he received a lightning call from Josep Cubells, director of the basketball section of the club, explaining to him that any signing was impossible due to “social repercussions” following the announcement in the media of the agreement between the two parties.
This is where we need to take stock of Thomas Heurtel’s history with FC Barcelona. In 2021, while the French leader is still involved with the Catalans, the club leaves him voluntarily (yes yes) on the tarmac of Istanbul airport after a EuroLeague match. A story that seems crazy but is absolutely true. The reason? The rumors of negotiations between Heurtel and Real Madrid which reached the ears of the Barcelona management at the time, who did not appreciate AT ALL that a player under contract was discussing with the historic rival.
A history that the announcement of the Frenchman's signing in Barcelona brought to the surface. Fans expressed their dissatisfaction on social networks. No doubt afraid of the idea of alienating its basketball community, FC Barcelona cut short Act II of the relationship between Heurtel and the Catalan club.
Friday afternoon: press conference by Thomas Heurtel
In the wake of the announcement of the abandonment of the contract, Thomas Heurtel and his agent summoned the press to explain themselves. The player's words match his disappointment, believing that Barcelona have made fun of him again. However, he does not hide the enthusiasm generated by the initial agreement. Joan Peñarroya also apologized by telephone, according to the person concerned.
“I was particularly excited to come back, I think it was a second chance for both parties and I could have helped a Barca team that is not doing well this year. Everyone was excited, me first and foremost, to redirect my career to a big club like Barça. I land and hear this news. It's sad.
I think FC Barcelona made fun of me. The first time was in Istanbul, and this time it's worse because my family is there. This is a huge lack of respect.”
Thomas Heurtel has just given a press conference in Barcelona with his agent to talk about the incredible episode with Barça and his non-signing. pic.twitter.com/Y16R7e25wI
— SKWEEK (@skweektv) https://twitter.com/skweektv/status/1875239104822337541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
And now ?
Now on the continent and without a club, the leader has every interest in listening to other potential offers from other European teams. With why not a contract in the EuroLeague and a possible meeting… against Barcelona.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
