Why Did Paulinho Leave Barcelona?
Paulinho’s departure from Barcelona came as a surprise to many football fans. After a successful stint at the Catalan club, where he won multiple trophies and established himself as a key player, his decision to leave left many questioning the reasons behind it.
The Initial Success
When Paulinho joined Barcelona in 2017, there were doubts about his ability to adapt to the demanding style of play. However, he quickly silenced his critics by delivering impressive performances on the field. His physicality, energy, and goal-scoring prowess made him an essential asset for the team.
During his first season with Barcelona, Paulinho played a vital role in helping the club secure the La Liga title. His contributions in midfield added depth and stability to the team’s gameplay.
A New Challenge in China
Amidst his success at Barcelona, Paulinho received an offer that he found hard to refuse. Guangzhou Evergrande, his former club in China, approached him with an enticing proposal.
Money played a significant role in Paulinho’s decision to leave Barcelona. The Chinese Super League is known for offering lucrative contracts to attract top talent from around the world. The financial aspect was undoubtedly appealing for Paulinho and potentially secured his future financially.
Familiarity also played a part in Paulinho’s choice. Returning to Guangzhou Evergrande meant reuniting with familiar faces – former teammates, coaches, and fans who adored him during his previous tenure at the club.
The World Cup Factor
Russia 2018 World Cup seemed to be another crucial factor that influenced Paulinho’s decision. As a Brazilian international, Paulinho knew that regular game time would be essential to secure his place in the national team for the tournament.
Despite his impressive performances at Barcelona, competition for midfield spots was fierce, with players like Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic commanding their places in the starting lineup. Paulinho may have believed that a move to China would guarantee him regular playing time and increase his chances of representing Brazil on the global stage.
The Barcelona Reshuffle
Another aspect that cannot be ignored is Barcelona’s intent to reshape their squad. The club made significant signings in subsequent transfer windows, bringing in players like Arturo Vidal, Frenkie de Jong, and Arthur Melo – all capable midfielders who added competition for places in the team.
This reshuffling of the squad might have raised doubts about Paulinho’s playing time in the future. Rather than risking limited opportunities at Barcelona, he chose to secure his place elsewhere.
In Conclusion
In summary, Paulinho’s departure from Barcelona was influenced by a combination of factors. Financial incentives, familiarity with Guangzhou Evergrande, World Cup aspirations, and potential competition within the squad all played a role in shaping his decision.
While his departure may have been disappointing for Barcelona fans who appreciated his contributions on the field, it is crucial to understand that professional footballers make decisions based on various personal and career-related factors.