Paulinho back in Guangzhou after a year at Barcelona

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Brazil midfielder Paulinho has rejoined Guangzhou Evergrande on loan from Barcelona, the Chinese Super League (CSL) 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.

“FC Barcelona and Guangzhou Evergrande have reached an agreement for the loan transfer of Paulinho Bezerra for one season, with a mandatory purchase option for the Chinese club,” Barcelona said in a statement on their website.

“The level of the Chinese Super League has improved year by year and the development prospects are very good,” Paulinho told Evergrande's official website. “I hope to bring more championships to Guangzhou and Guangzhou fans. I also hope to give the Super League more excitement.”

Paulinho (L) in action after scoring a goal against Serbia at Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 27. /VCG Photo

Paulinho made 63 league appearances for Guangzhou over three seasons before joining Barcelona for 40 million euros last August. The 29-year-old played 49 matches and scored nine goals for the Spanish giants in 2017-18, helping them win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

He started in all of Brazil's five matches at the World Cup in Russia, including their 2-1 loss to Belgium in Friday's quarterfinal. He scored a goal for the Selecao in their 2-0 group-stage win over Serbia.

(With input from agencies)