Few signings have caused as much expectation at their presentation and as much indifference in their performance as his. He arrived at Barça to lead a new era in the basketball section. With NBA star credentials, European champion with the national team, and a multimillion-euro contract in hand.
But the reality has been very different. Willy Hernangómez hasn't managed to make a difference since he returned to Spain.
In his first year, he was overshadowed by Vesely. In the second, he wasn't even an undisputed starter. Despite being the highest-paid player on the roster, his impact has been disappointing.
He hasn't provided the consistency required of a leader, neither on offense nor on defense.
An economic and sporting burden
Joan Laporta was the one who personally pushed for his signing. It was the media coup the section needed after Mirotic's departure.
But two seasons later, neither the coaches nor the board see him as indispensable. Quite the opposite: he has become a problem.
Willy doesn't want to leave this summer. He has one year left on his contract and his plan is to fulfill it and then become a free agent.
But Barça needs to reduce its wage bill. His departure would be seen as a relief, both in sporting and economic terms.
At the Palau, there are no doubts: if an offer appears, there won't be any obstacles. In fact, internal sources claim that Laporta has already given the green light for his camp to explore an immediate exit.
Scariolo opens the door to the eternal rival
The new development is that Real Madrid has shown interest in his situation. Not on a whim. Sergio Scariolo, the new white coach, knows him perfectly.
Together they won gold in Berlin and the Italian coach values his ability to contribute from the locker room, even without being the main protagonist.
According to reports, Scariolo has requested his addition as an inside reinforcement. Not as a central piece of the project, but as a useful player to complete the rotation in the EuroLeague and ACB.
Madrid knows it could sign him at zero cost if his contract with Barça is terminated.
At the blaugrana club, they wouldn't look unfavorably on that move. Laporta himself, according to sources close to the president, is said to have stated that if he goes to Madrid "the sooner, the better." There's no resentment, just a desire to close a chapter that hasn't worked.
Absolute silence in the player's camp
No one in Willy's circle confirms or denies anything. His plan remains to stay.
He knows his situation has changed. He's no longer untouchable. If Madrid makes a move, he'll have to decide whether to prioritize the contract or the project.
Barça is clear: if he can leave now, it's better than in a year. If he does so for the eternal rival, they won't lift a finger to stop him.