Only a week ago, the Turkish media, along with Paulinho's mother, Erica Nascimento, confirmed that the Brazilian star had received an olive branch from Galatasaray. Together, the trio revealed that the Brazilian star is looking forward to a return to Europe. Galatasaray's head coach Trim is even more confident and is keen to get a deal done as soon as possible so that Paulinho can be ready in time for the team's new season assembly this week.
However, to this day, Paulinho's destination remains up in the air. High salaries have made cash-strapped European clubs hesitant to sign the player, while the oil wealth of the Middle East is quietly lending a hand to the Super League champion midfielder. Will the centerpiece of the midfield, who has made a name for himself in Asia, be a future rival for Chinese Super League teams in the AFC Champions League?
Despite personal wishes favoring a return to Europe, the current situation seems to point to West Asia. Perhaps there is a chance for Paulinho to renew his relationship with Guangzhou in the future when the epidemic is over.
