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Guangzhou Evergrande boss Luis Felipe Scolari has confirmed that Barcelona have signed Paulinho, as previously reported over the weekend.
The midfielder now looks set to make the move official next week, in one of the summer’s most suprising transfers.
Speaking after his side’s win over Henan Jinye on Sunday, Scolari confirmed that Barca had activated the midfielder’s €40 million buyout clause.
"Paulinho is a player with high individual quality, he is an outstanding player, both for his club and for the national team," he said.
"The high price paid by Barcelona in order to sign him is a strong recognition of Guangzhou Evergrande Football Club.
"We wish him all the best and that he can embrace a bright future.
"Losing Paulinho is a loss for Evergrande, but it is a good thing for Chinese football.
"It proves that the world's leading clubs are paying attention to the Chinese Super League."
Source | ESPN
The news is unlikely to impress many fans, in what has been a curious summer for the club, having lost Neymar and now moved for player who is perhaps best known for being a huge flop, during his time at Tottenham.