Spanish basketball could experience an episode reminiscent of the most controversial transfer in soccer history. The figure of Luis Figo still lingers in the memory of Barça fans. Although this time it's a different sport, the wound threatens to reopen.
Willy Hernangómez, Spanish international center, a Real Madrid youth product and currently a Barça player, is the protagonist. His contract expires in a year and he has already made a decision that could shake the foundations of Palau blaugrana.
Real Madrid is waiting for him with open arms. It's doing so with Sergio Scariolo, his current coach on the national team.
Soon he will be the coach of his team. In fact, he is the one who has initiated the approach to complete the deal.
A future agreed with Scariolo
The information circulating and to which MB has had access is clear. Willy has reached a verbal agreement with Scariolo to join Real Madrid at the end of this season.
The national team coach knows the player perfectly and trusts he can recover the version he showed in the past with the national jersey. Very different from what he has shown in his two seasons in Barcelona.
Barça, aware of this scenario, would have preferred to finalize his departure this very summer. However, Hernangómez has kept firm in his idea of fulfilling the three years he signed in his initial contract.
That means Barça could lose him without receiving a single euro, something that worries the club's offices.
The most expensive and most disappointing signing
The bet on Willy Hernangómez was risky and costly. He became the highest-paid player on the blaugrana roster, a move that sought to consolidate the team in the European elite. However, his performance has been far below what was desired.
Neither the coach nor Juan Carlos Navarro, head of the basketball section, have managed to turn the situation around. The center hasn't managed to be decisive in either the EuroLeague or the ACB, and his specific weight in the locker room has been reduced as the months have gone by.
Confirmed. Another Figo case: One more year at Barça and he leaves for free to Real Madrid
Madrid is waiting with open arms
Real Madrid is already rubbing its hands over the deal. Scariolo is convinced he can recover the best version of Hernangómez, and the white club would receive him for free in 2026.
For Barça fans, the comparison with Figo is inevitable. Losing a star, and moreover seeing him wear white, could become a painful episode in the recent history of the section.
A bomb in the making
The situation could still take unexpected turns, but as of today the script seems written. Willy will fulfill his last year at Barça and next summer he will reunite with Scariolo in the capital.