Transfer Latest: Paulinho Returns to Chinese Club Guangzhou Evergrande
Jul 9, 2018 at 4:27 PM
Brazilian midfielder Paulinho has returned to the Chinese Super League after agreeing on a move from FC Barcelona to Guangzhou Evergrande just one year at Camp Nou.
The midfielder played only one season in FC Barcelona.
The midfielder was a surprise arrival at Camp Nou last summer. He arrived towards the end of the transfer window following the sale of Neymar. He made a bright start to life at Barca. The Brazilian midfielder was a key part of the team that won a domestic double in 2017-18.
In total, the Brazilian made 49 appearances for Barcelona. He scored nine goals and adding a further three assists in all competitions. With the Catalans struggling to accommodate a host of non-European Union players, Paulinho got released from the club.
The player spent almost three years with the Chinese Super League club in his first spell. He played almost 100 games with the giants and lifting back-to-back CSL titles. Paulinho’s exit will open up a spot for compatriot Arthur. He is set to join the Blaugrana from Gremio this summer.
Everyone thought it would be a flop signing for Barcelona. But it turned out to be an excellent move, and Paulinho often shone in the middle of the park.
He also added some unexpected and valuable goals. The player won the Liga with the Blaugrana and earned a call-up to the Brazilian national team. Paulinho also played all the matches in the World Cup for Brazil. The nation’s campaign came to a disappointing quarter-final end against Belgium.
The official figure for the transfer has not been released. But it is rumoured that Barcelona will make a profit of ten million euros. That 50 million euro is expected to get reinvested in a suitable replacement.
Colombia’s Yerry Mina is another whose future appears uncertain at Camp Nou. According to reports, English club Everton has shown interest in buying him.