Andre Villas-Boas confirms Paulinho is set to join Barcelona

Posted Monday, August 14, 2017 by squawka.com

Shanghai SIPG manager Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Paulinho is set to join Barcelona.

Paulinho has been heavily linked with a switch to Barcelona in recent weeks and the deal now finally appears as if it will come to fruition, with the Catalan club having agreed to pay his release clause of around €40 million (£36.57 million).

Guangzhou Evergrande manager Luis Felipe Scolari has also confirmed the transfer, which is expected to be officially announced shortly.

Villas-Boas believes that, while Paulinho's move will be a setback for Guangzhou Evergrande, the transfer shows that the Chinese Super League is being monitored by the world's biggest clubs.

As reported by goal, Villas-Boas said: "Paulinho's departure is a loss for Guangzhou Evergrande but a gain for Chinese football.

"The fact that Paulinho has transferred to one of the best clubs in the world means that those big clubs are paying close attention to the CSL."

Paulinho has produced some excellent performances since joining Guangzhou Evergrande from Tottenham Hotspur in 2015, with his displays earning him a re-call to the Brazil squad.

Barcelona are seeking to revitalise their midfield options, especially after Andre Gomes failed to make a significant impact following his switch from Valencia last year.

If the deal is finalised then there is a possibility that Paulinho could make his Barcelona debut against Real Betis in La Liga next weekend.