Evergrande turns down Barcelona's 25 million euros bid for Paulinho

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By CGTN's Yan Yangchen

Guangzhou Evergrande's loss against Beijing Guoan on Saturday is their second defeat in a row in the Chinese Super League (CSL), but while the six-time reigning champions are expected to bounce back soon, they may have to do so without one of their best players as midfielder Paulinho has attracted attention from one of the biggest clubs in the world.

A star-studded league continues to grow as clubs keep pouring money into big transfers. At the same time, some of their stars have seen their price drop after coming to the Super League – but not Guangzhou midfielder Paulinho who, potentially, could have opened a new chapter for the CSL. Evergrande received a bid of 25 million euros from Barcelona for the Brazilian, which was turned down.

Paulinho during the AFC Champions League match between Guangzhou Evergrande and Kashima Antlers at Tianhe Sports Center on May 23, 2017 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. /VCG Photo ‍

The offer has received mixed reactions from football fans, with some seeing the offer as a kind of recognition for both Paulinho’s ability and Evergrande’s strength and others thinking the bid is a bit high for the Brazilian who may choose to leave.

Paulinho played his first match in Beijing after attracting the attention from Barca as he tried to impress and prove his value in the Chinese capital.

Rumors had been surrounding the ex-Tottenham man as the 28-year-old was reportedly willing to return to Europe. But on the pitch, Saturday's 2-0 defeat put the champions on the edge of losing their grip on their first place standing and speculation was the last thing on coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's mind. His attitude went hand in hand with Evergrande as they turned down Barca’s initial attempt.

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