Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande have announced they have re-signed Paulinho from Barcelona.
Paulinho only signed for Barcelona in a deal worth £36.4m 12 months ago but the Brazil international has brokered a return to China after just one season.
The former Tottenham midfielder emerged as a key player for Ernesto Valverde last season and started all five of Brazil’s matches at the 2018 World Cup.
However, Guangzhou have secured Paulinho's services on an initial season-long loan deal with an option to buy for £44.2m.
The Chinese Super League will resume later this month and Fabio Canavarro’s side are currently fifth, chasing their eight straight league title.
Barcelona are now expected to intensify their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who has been tipped to leave the Ligue 1 champions this summer.
Only Lionel Messi (34) and Luis Suarez (25) scored more league goals for Barcelona than Paulinho (9) last season.
