Paulinho’s fallout
Departure a blow to team, but helps China’s image in world of soccer
The big-money signing of Brazilian soccer player Paulinho by Spanish giant Barcelona from Guangzhou Evergrande has helped improve the image of Chinese soccer, according to sports insiders.
“Paulinho’s move to Barcelona is a loss for the defending Chinese Super League champion, but it is a good thing for Chinese soccer,” said Xie Liang, a veteran soccer com- mentator with Radio Guangdong.
More often than not, the CSL has been painted as a semiretirement home for international players who have passed their prime and are looking for large paychecks in China, he said.
“The big-money signing proves that the world’s leading clubs are paying attention to Chinese soccer. With growing international attention, Chinese clubs will be operated in a more professional way.”
Guangzhou Evergrande confirmed on Monday evening that Paulinho, 29, who scored 25 goals and made five assists in 95 appearances for the Chinese club over two seasons, had agreed to a four-year deal with Barcelona.
Barcelona later confirmed that the deal was worth a 40 million euro ($46.9 million) transfer fee for the Chinese club, as the Spanish club aimed to strengthen its squad after the loss of Brazilian star Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain. The signing has made Paulinho the first player in the Chinese domestic league to move to a top European club.
“China’s determined efforts to develop as a soccer power will require more interaction between domestic professional clubs and their overseas counterparts,” Xie said.
Spanish newspaper Marca said Paulinho’s move to Barcelona is a “landmark occasion” in Chinese soccer, calling the transaction the best financial deal by a Chinese club for an international player.
Paulinho joined Guangzhou for 14 million euros in 2015 after a disappointing spell at the English Premier League’s Tottenham Hotspur.
Marca quoted Chinese international player Zheng Zhi as saying this means the Chinese Super League has been used as a springboard for a player to join one of Europe’s top clubs.
“The transfer to Barcelona is an honor not only for Guangzhou Evergrande, but also for all clubs in the Chinese league. We wish him good luck in Spain,” said Zheng, captain of Guangzhou Evergrande.
Evergrande coach Luiz Felipe Scolari praised Paulinho as a high quality player.