In the world of professional sports, second chances are rare, especially when there's been a betrayal or a lack of commitment.
However, there are cases where pragmatism prevails over pride. Barça has just been at the center of one of those unexpected twists.
Quietly, without major announcements, the basketball section's sporting management has reactivated an operation that seemed forgotten.
They've done it out of necessity, yes. But also because no one forgets that before getting injured, this player was one of the season's biggest surprises.
From emerging star to question mark
Chimezie Metu surprised everyone in his first stint with Barça's basketball team. With his physique, defensive intensity, and strong offensive performance, he seemed to establish himself as a key piece in the rotation. The problem came when he wanted to renegotiate his contract.
He asked for a lot of money. Too much. Barça, still constrained by financial fair play, shut the door on him.
That broke off negotiations and the club-player trust, then his camp started to make moves.
Contacts came with Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe. He was strongly linked to both teams, convinced he could leave for free and get a significant salary increase. But when it seemed like everything was set, the blow came.
An injury that changes everything
A serious injury sidelined him. With it, his chances of making a move vanished.
Real Madrid pulled out. Fenerbahçe did too. Neither wanted to take the risk of signing a player who won't return to the court until January at the earliest.
Metu was left without offers and, even worse, without negotiating power. The same offer he previously rejected has now become his best option. Barça is offering him a modest contract, conditioned on his recovery and with performance clauses.
Despite everything, he's seriously considering it. Because he doesn't have anything better.
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A return with a scent of redemption
The club hasn't forgotten how he behaved. They also know that, based on performance, he can be useful.
In an increasingly expensive market, keeping someone who already knows the system, who has also delivered on the court, and who now returns with his feet on the ground, can be a smart move.
Laprovittola and Vesely also had ups and downs and renewed on lower terms. Metu could follow that path.
That said: now there's no room for whims. If he returns, he'll do so with humility and without promising starting spots.
The prodigal son wants to come back. This time, without demanding too much.