Guangzhou Evergrande have confirmed the signing of Paulinho from Barcelona on loan.
The Brazilian midfielder, who joined Barcelona only last season played a key role in Barcelona’s domestic success, which oversaw the club winning La Liga and Copa del Rey. However, Paulinho will now rejoin Guangzhou Evergrande, the club he left to join the Spanish giants.
Paulinho was a key member in Barcelona side in their league campaign, and was subsequently selected in the Brazil’s World Cup squad. He was a regular starter for the national team throughout the World Cup, until the end of their campaign in the quarter-final.
The Brazilian, however, has now rejoined the Chinese club on loan, with an option to buy on a permanent basis. Paulinho insists that he intends to help Guanzhou Evergrande push for the league title.
The level of the Super League has improved year by year and the development prospects are very good,” he said, according to Guangzhou Evergrande’s website.
“After training in Evergrande and Barcelona, and following the Brazilian national team in the World Cup, I got a good experience. I chose to return to the Super League this time, hoping to bring more championships to Guangzhou and Guangzhou fans. I also hope to give The Super League more excitement!” Paulinho said.
The Chinese club also stated on their website that the return of Paulinho will enhance the quality of the squad, and “upgrade the speed and depth of the team’s three-dimensional attack.”
Paulinho, in his one season at Barcelona, made 49 appearances for the club. He scored 9 goals and made two assists for the club.
This would be Paulinho’s second spell with Guangzhou Evergrande. He has played 84 times for the Chinese club, scoring 22 goals and recording five assists.
