Paulinho set for China transfer as £38m Barcelona release clause triggered

The Spaniards have confirmed that Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande have activated a £38million release clause after signing Paulinho on loan last summer.

The 30-year-old initially left Guangzhou for Barcelona in a £35m permanent deal in 2017.

But after a good debut season in La Liga, culminating in a call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad, Paulinho surprisingly moved back to China six months ago.

And with his loan deal coming to an end, Guangzhou have decided to make Paulinho’s homecoming a permanent one.

A statement from Barcelona read: “The Board of Directors has been informed that Guangzhou Evergrande has already made the purchase clause of the player Paulinho effective, in accordance with the agreement signed last July, after a transfer period.

“The Board expressed its satisfaction with the final result of this operation, which has been very beneficial for all parties.”

Paulinho made his name in Brazil with Corinthians, who he helped lead to victory over Chelsea in the 2012 Club World Cup final.

The midfielder then secured a £17m switch to Spurs in 2013, making 67 appearances before joining Guangzhou for £10m two years later.

He played 95 times there before his move to the Nou Camp, where he featured 49 times, and has since played 19 more matches for Guangzhou upon his return last summer.


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