Coruña, Spain — Thomas Heurtel, the controversial French basketball player whose career has spanned several top European clubs, has joined Leyma Coruña for the remainder of the season. Heurtel, who previously starred for Barça Basket and Real Madrid, has landed in Galicia following a turbulent period involving negotiation disputes and fan backlash.
At 35, Heurtel has experienced the highs and lows of professional basketball. He first made waves in the Spanish league with Barcelona in 2017, where he initially won over fans with his performance. However, his decision to join archrivals Real Madrid in 2021 turned the tide of public opinion against him. His time in Madrid was short-lived, marked by controversies that failed to endear him to the club’s fans.
The recent uproar began after Heurtel attempted to re-sign with Barcelona. Negotiations fell through due to a vehement opposition from Barcelona’s fan base, still stung by his prior defection to Madrid. This backlash at the eleventh hour prompted Barcelona to pull out of the deal, leaving Heurtel unexpectedly free.
Despite this setback, Heurtel’s career continues in Spain with Leyma Coruña, a team recently promoted to the Liga ACB, though they currently struggle near the bottom of the league standings. The team hopes that Heurtel’s experience and skill will help improve their fortunes in the league where they currently hold a disappointing record of four wins and eleven losses.
Heurtel’s contract with Leyma Coruña includes a specific clause allowing him to leave should he receive an offer from any team participating in the Euroleague. This provides him a potential exit strategy, reflecting the transient nature of his recent career.
Adding to the team dynamics, Heurtel will reunite with former Real Madrid teammate Trey Thompkins. The two were previously involved in a controversial incident in 2022 where they were seen partying in Athens ahead of a critical match, which ultimately led to their departure from Real Madrid.
As Heurtel embarks on this new chapter, his legal team is reportedly pursuing a lawsuit against Barcelona for damages linked to the collapsed negotiation.
While captivating on the court, Heurtel’s career off the court continues to be equally dramatic, surrounded by legal disputes and fan reactions that highlight the often volatile intersection of sports, player loyalty, and fan expectations.
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