Guangzhou Evergrande has officially signed Barcelona midfielder Paulinho on loan for an undisclosed fee. According to the official website of Barcelona,  the Chinese club is obligated to buy the Brazilian midfielder on a permanent basis next season.

Paulihno rejoining Chinese club is a surprise transfer, especially considering that the player was a starter for one of the best teams in the world. At the age of 29, he was physically at the peak of his career. Also, he was establishing himself as one of the best box-box midfielders in the world after flopping at Spurs.

Paulinho was one of the key players for Barcelona last season and scored nine goals. He was handy on both boxes and troubled opponents because of his movements, stamina and physical strength. His impressive form for Barcelona earned him a place in Brazil’s squad in this year’s World Cup. Furthermore, he started each of Brazil’s five games in the World Cup scoring one goal against Serbia.

Paulinho was one of the many signings made by Tottenham Hotspur after the sale of Bale in 2013. He could not adapt to Premier League and was eventually sold to  Guangzhou Evergrande in 2015. Paulinho’s impressive form at the Chinese club persuaded Barcelona to activate his release clause in last season’s summer transfer window.