Evergrande midfielder Paulinho has had a memorable two years in Guangzhou. For starters, there has been a lot of winning, as well as that epic 40-yard goal he scored back in 2015 and, most recently, that unforgettable gambling scandal with Japanese porn star Tsukasa Aoi.
It’s been one hell of a ride, a ride that may soon be coming to a ‘hit the brakes’ conclusion.
In a report published yesterday by Metro Tottenham, the theory is forwarded that Barcelona are planning to sign the 28-year-old box-to-box midfielder for around EUR25 million after their first offer of EUR20 million was rejected by the Evergrande.
While Barcelona already has a strong selection of central-midfielders to call on, including Andre Gomes, Andres Iniesta, Denis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Rafinha, the team is reportedly looking to add new boots to their squad after a season that ended without winning either the Champions League or La Liga.
Evergrande’s manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, is admittedly skeptical of the move, telling reporters:
“His release clause is EUR40 million and none of the Chinese clubs will let their key players go because it would be difficult and expensive to find a replacement due to the new rules.”
Rumors about a Paulinho move to Europe have been swirling since April, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich both mentioned as possible destinations. At the time, Paulinho denied the rumors:
"These transfer rumors are a part of football. My agent might have received inquiries from some European clubs. But I like where I am, and I have been having a good time with my teammates and coaches. I'd like to stay here to win more titles with Evergrande."
Paulinho’s teammates in Guangzhou appear to be taking the Barcelona hype with a grain of salt, with struggling defender Feng Xiaoting commenting the Brazilian footballer can leave when “he’s given me 10 assists and helped me score 10 goals.”
We suppose only time will tell if Barca’s confidence in reaching a Paulinho-snagging deal is warranted.
[Image via Metro Tottenham]
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