Paulinho returns to Evergrande

Brazil midfielder Paulinho has rejoined Guangzhou Evergrande on loan from Barcelona, the Chinese Super League club said on Monday.

News of the one-year deal came less than three days after Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup in Russia.

“The level of the Chinese Super League has improved year by year and the development prospects are very good,” Paulinho (pictured) told Evergrande’s website.

“I hope to bring more championships to Guangzhou and Guangzhou fans. I also hope to give the CSL more excitement.”

Paulinho made 63 league appearances for Evergrande over three seasons before joining Barcelona for around $47 million last August.

The 29-year-old played 49 matches and scored nine goals for the Spanish giant in 2017-18, helping it win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.