Tornike Shengelia Signs with FC Barcelona: A New Era Begins in Blaugrana Basketball

FC Barcelona make bold move with Tornike Shengelia signing

FC Barcelona have wasted no time in setting the tone for next season. Just days after extending the contract of sharpshooting guard Kevin Punter, the Catalan club has made an even louder statement with the reported signing of Tornike Shengelia—one of European basketball’s most respected power forwards.

The 34-year-old Georgian international, known affectionately as “Toko” across the continent, is set to join Barça on a three-year deal. According to Mundo Deportivo reporters José Ignacio Huguet and Lucas Clemente, the final season of the agreement includes a mutual release clause, allowing flexibility for both player and club down the line.

Shengelia to FC Barcelona: From rumor to reality

Barcelona reportedly secures the services of experienced forward Tornike Shengelia –

It didn’t take long for whispers of FC Barcelona’s interest in Shengelia to become a full-blown headline. The initial tip came from Sportando’s Alessandro Luigi Maggi, who reported on Sunday that the Blaugrana were targeting the experienced forward. Now, with Mundo Deportivo confirming the deal is done, Barcelona fans can begin to envision a frontcourt anchored by one of the EuroLeague’s most dependable veterans.

This isn’t a flashy signing for the sake of making noise—it’s a smart, calculated move by a club that understands what it takes to win titles on the European stage. Shengelia brings with him not only a physical presence in the paint but also a wealth of experience that could prove vital as Barcelona look to mount a serious challenge for EuroLeague and Liga Endesa glory next season.

A proven EuroLeague performer

Let’s not mince words: Tornike Shengelia is a baller. In the 2023–24 EuroLeague season, the Georgian forward averaged an impressive 15.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while posting a 17.4 Performance Index Rating (PIR)—a testament to his all-around impact. Those numbers are no fluke. Shengelia has been doing this for years, and his ability to affect the game in multiple ways is one of the key reasons Barcelona were so eager to bring him in.

His three-year run with Virtus Bologna helped solidify his place as one of the best power forwards still playing on the continent. Shengelia brought balance and consistency to the Italian side, serving as a go-to scorer when needed but also facilitating ball movement and crashing the glass when the game demanded it. That versatility is exactly what Barça coach Roger Grimau will be counting on.

From Baskonia to Bologna: A decorated European career

For those unfamiliar with Shengelia’s journey, it’s one paved with grit, resilience, and no shortage of silverware. His rise began in earnest during a six-season tenure with Spanish side Baskonia (2014–2020), where he became one of the most beloved figures in Vitoria-Gasteiz. His breakout came in 2018, when he was named to the All-EuroLeague First Team—an honor reserved for the continent’s elite.

After Baskonia, Shengelia made a somewhat controversial move to CSKA Moscow, where he played for two seasons before joining Virtus Bologna. That stint in Italy gave him a chance to play in one of Europe’s most competitive domestic leagues while continuing to shine on the EuroLeague stage.

Throughout it all, Shengelia has carried himself with professionalism and purpose. He’s not just a leader on the floor, but also a respected voice in the locker room—an intangible that FC Barcelona will surely value as they blend experienced veterans with emerging talent in the seasons to come.

What this means for FC Barcelona

The acquisition of Shengelia sends a clear signal: Barcelona are all-in. After falling short in recent EuroLeague campaigns, the club is eager to bolster its roster with battle-tested players who can deliver in high-pressure situations. While Shengelia may be in the latter stages of his career, he’s shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, his 2023–24 season was one of his most efficient in recent memory.

Bringing in Shengelia gives Barcelona not just another scorer, but a power forward who can stretch the floor, operate in the post, and defend multiple positions. He’s a perfect fit in the modern game and should slide seamlessly into the team’s system. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his presence alone will demand attention from opposing defenses.

Shengelia’s leadership and locker room value

Beyond the numbers, Shengelia is the kind of player who commands respect. He’s been a captain for Georgia’s national team and is known across Europe as a guy who leads by example. For a club like Barcelona—where expectations are sky-high and the media spotlight is unrelenting—that kind of demeanor is priceless.

He’ll join a team that already boasts the likes of Nikola Kalinic, Jabari Parker, and Jan Vesely, among others. With the addition of Shengelia, the Blaugrana have significantly increased their depth and experience up front, and it’s fair to say that this could be one of the most balanced frontcourts in Europe next season.

What’s next for Barcelona?

With Shengelia now on board and Punter locked in, Barcelona’s offseason is off to a flying start. More moves are likely to come as the club seeks to reshape its roster and address areas of weakness. The future of other veterans, potential new signings, and player development will all factor into how competitive this team can be come October.

But for now, Barca fans have reason to smile. Shengelia’s arrival is not just a signing—it’s a statement. FC Barcelona aren’t just looking to compete. They’re aiming to dominate.