Shengelia leaves Barcelona for Dubai

Toko Shengelia has officially ended his time at Barcelona after activating the buyout clause in his contract. The 2.06-meter Georgian power forward paid nearly one million euros to terminate the agreement that tied him to the Catalan club until June 2029, thus paving the way for his signing with Dubai for the upcoming season.

The player's departure comes just weeks after the Blaugrana club publicly confirmed his exit. Shengelia spent a single season at the Palau Blaugrana, where he became an important piece of the sports project, participating in 78 games between the Euroleague and the Liga Endesa.

A season of adaptation and performance

During his time in Barcelona, Shengelia played 34 games in the Euroleague, averaging 12.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. In the Spanish domestic competition, he made 40 appearances, scoring an average of 11.2 points per game. His contributions were significant in the development of the season, helping the team reach the Liga Endesa final.

The Georgian's performance in both competitions established him as a consistent player within the Blaugrana rotation, showcasing offensive ability and defensive versatility on the perimeter. His international experience proved crucial for the team in key moments of the season.

A proven champion's track record

Shengelia arrives in Dubai with a resume full of titles and accolades in European basketball. Before joining Barcelona, the power forward played for Virtus Bologna, where he won the Italian national championship in the 2024-25 season and the Italian Super Cup in 2023. His time with the Bologna team solidified his status as a winner in elite competitions.

Over his 13 seasons in the Euroleague, Shengelia has represented five different teams, accumulating an exceptional track record. He won the Spanish championship with Baskonia in 2020 and the VTB United League with CSKA Moscow in 2021. Furthermore, he is a two-time EuroCup champion, having triumphed in this tournament with Valencia and later with Virtus Bologna.

A project in Dubai with Xavi Pascual

Shengelia's signing with Dubai is part of the Emirati team's effort to strengthen its squad for the 2026-27 season under the guidance of Xavi Pascual. The Catalan coach sees the Georgian power forward as a key piece for his competitive plans at the highest level of basketball.

Shengelia's international experience, combined with his scoring ability and tactical versatility, makes him a valuable player for any ambitious project. His arrival in Dubai represents a strategic step for both the Emirati club and the player himself, who aims to continue demonstrating his quality in a new competition.

With this move, Shengelia concludes a Barcelona chapter of just twelve months, during which he showcased his competitive level. His decision to activate the buyout clause showcases the player's intention to explore new opportunities after completing a strong campaign at the Palau Blaugrana, where he earned the respect of the fans and the trust of the Blaugrana coaching staff.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shengelia abandona Barcelona rumbo a Dubái