Paulinho may leave Barcelona this summer

The Brazilian star joined Barcelona only last season.

Paulinho joined FC Barcelona in the summer of 2017, in a stunning move from Guangzhou Evergrande from China. Barca triggered the midfielder’s €35m release clause to bring him to Camp Nou.

The 29-year old midfielder scored 9 goals in 34 La Liga appearances for the club, and was central to club’s success in the league campaign. However, Spanish outlet AS reports that Paulinho may be set to leave Barcelona, as an unnamed European club has made an ‘eye-watering’ offer for the midfielder.

Paulinho’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, has received an offer from the European club, who in turn has presented it to Barcelona chiefs. It is now on them to decide, on whether they wish to cash-in on the midfielder. AS reports that Barcelona are looking for a forward, more significantly because of their failure to pull through a deal for Antoine Griezmann.

The midfielder is currently representing Brazil at the World Cup in Russia. Brazil has reached the round-of-16 and will play against Mexico for a place in the quarter-final.

The identity of the European club is not yet revealed, however, AS reports that the offered amount is higher than the €35m Barcelona paid for Paulinho.

Earlier, Barcelona were close on a deal for Arthur Melo, and are in talks with Sevilla to sign defender Clement Lenglet. The Catalan giants were also impressed by Hirving Lozano’s performances for Mexico in the World Cup, and are pursuing the player. Barcelona, however, are yet to sign a player this summer. It was earlier reported that Lenglet will join Barcelona on July 1, but no such announcement was made.