FC Barcelona have received a shocking €50 million bid for Paulinho, who has courted the interest of his former club Guangzhou Evergrande.
Paulinho’s career at FC Barcelona could be on the verge of an early ending as the Spanish giants have received an offer almost too good to refuse. According to a report from Spanish newspaper Sport, Paulinho’s former employer Guangzhou Evergrande have submitted a shocking €50 million bid for the Brazilian international, whose future at the club still remains in doubt.
The Catalans signed Paulinho for a fee of €40 million euros last summer. Since moving to Spain, the Brazilian has had a pretty decent debut campaign, scoring nine goals and contributing three assists in 49 appearances. But that being said, the former Tottenham midfielder has already been a subject of a series of transfer speculation this summer with Guangzhou, in particular, showing keen interest.
Paulinho’s agent was in Barcelona a few days ago to discuss a few issues. Sport apparently claims that he also dropped the possibility of the transfer of the midfielder. Barcelona, on the other hand, could pocket a €10 million profit should they plan to sell Paulinho this summer.
However, the €50 million fee will be handed to Barcelona in the next transfer window when Evergrande will be forced to pay a compulsory fee after initially taking him on loan until January.
This could turn out to be a good piece of business from Barcelona’s perspective for a number of reasons. Firstly, it will allow the Catalan giants to go big this summer as they attempt to dethrone Real Madrid from the Champions League crown next season.
The departure of Andres Iniesta, in particular, could create a gaping hole in midfield next season with Barcelona having limited resources when it comes to replacing the veteran midfielder. In addition, Andre Gomes and Ivan Rakitic have both been the subject of transfer speculation in these past few months with the former closing in on a move out of Camp Nou.
Coutinho, on the other hand, has been utilized more as an attacking midfield than a midfield lynchpin. And his fiery performances in the ongoing FIFA World Cup will only help him establish himself as a number ten for Barca.
Therefore, the addition of a world class central midfielder will be imperative, as they aim to reshape their midfield department next season.
Most importantly, however, Paulinho’s exit could pave the way for the likes of Arthur to complete their move to Barcelona. It is understood that the Blaugrana already have a deal in place for Gremio’s Arthur but have struggled to officiate the signing due to La Liga’s regulation of registering a certain amount of non-EU players.
On the flip side, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona will be able to replicate their form without the presence of Paulinho next season. The Brazilian international injected a dose of physicality last term, which Barcelona will sorely miss if they plan to sell the illustrious midfielder this summer.
