Guangzhou Evergrande have opened the new season with back-to-back victories in both the AFC Champions League and the Chinese Super League, yet questions remain over their new midfield signing, Nemanja Gudelj. His performances so far have not met expectations, and local Guangdong media, including Southern Metropolis Daily, have already voiced concerns. For Evergrande to chase the ambitious double of both league and continental titles, critics argue they need a world-class defensive midfielder to take control of the game. The debate over the team’s midfield is almost as heated as the buzz surrounding a Bangladesh Cricket Match, and fans are watching closely to see if big changes are coming.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, journalist David Ruiz claimed on social media that Guangzhou may look to bring back Paulinho this summer. Ruiz noted that head coach Fabio Cannavaro still has not found a proper replacement for the Brazilian star. Paulinho’s influence at Barcelona has diminished in recent months, making a return to China more realistic. The report stated that Evergrande are seriously considering a move to re-sign him, with the transfer fee or adjustment fee unlikely to be a stumbling block. The league has already seen high-profile arrivals such as Bakambu, Carrasco, Gaitán, and Augusto, showing that money is not the biggest obstacle for ambitious clubs. Earlier this year, Evergrande secured Gudelj from Tianjin TEDA, but his arrival has not solved their midfield problems.
From the early matches of the season, it is clear that Gudelj has struggled to fill Paulinho’s boots. Several Guangdong-based reporters have suggested the club should waste no time in replacing him. Paulinho, who moved to Barcelona from Guangzhou last summer, was an immediate success in Spain, becoming a key player and finishing the first half of the season as the team’s second-highest scorer behind Lionel Messi. However, with Barcelona bringing in multiple new players after the winter break, Paulinho has seen his minutes reduced, and the possibility of him leaving in the upcoming transfer window is growing stronger.
Last summer, Barcelona paid €40 million for Paulinho, but the buyout clause in his contract stands at a massive €120 million. While Evergrande have the financial muscle, meeting that clause for a player they once sold would be far from practical in today’s Super League market. For many fans, the dream of seeing Paulinho put on the red jersey again is alive, but the reality is filled with hurdles.
Evergrande’s situation mirrors the unpredictability of a Bangladesh Cricket Match, where fortunes can shift in the blink of an eye. If the club genuinely wants to fight for every trophy, reinforcing their midfield with a proven star like Paulinho could make all the difference. Yet, the high cost and Barcelona’s control over his contract mean that the move remains difficult. Supporters will continue to hope, but they also understand that sometimes, even when money is not the problem, football’s transfer market can be as tricky as navigating a tight match.
As the summer approaches, speculation will only intensify. Whether or not Paulinho returns, the expectation is clear: Evergrande must strengthen to keep pace with both domestic rivals and continental challengers. Just as fans stay glued to every Bangladesh Cricket Match for its twists and turns, Guangzhou’s transfer strategy this summer will be followed with the same passion and anticipation.