Barcelona midfielder Paulinho returns to Chinese Super League

Paulinho has returned to the Chinese Super League, agreeing a move from Barcelona to Guangzhou Evergrande after less than a year in LaLiga.

The Brazil international was a surprise signing for Barcelona last August but helped Ernesto Valverde’s men to win a domestic double of LaLiga and Copa del Rey titles, hitting nine league goals in 21 starts.

After starting all five games for his country at the World Cup, Paulinho has headed back to China with Guangzhou announcing the deal on their official website.

Paulinho won a brace of CSL crowns in his first spell with Guangzhou after joining the club from Premier League side Tottenham, where he failed to make an impact, in 2015.

Guangzhou’s hopes of winning an eighth consecutive title will be boosted by Paulinho’s return, with Fabio Cannavaro’s side sitting fifth in the table after 11 games, five points off top spot.

Paulinho hit 24 goals in 88 games for Guangzhou in his previous spell.