When the news reached the British Isles it was met with a certain about of surprise and an awful lot of incredulity. The former Tottenham Hotspur man, who made the move to China two years ago, is not remembered particularly fondly in North London.
In fact, in a poll published by magazine 'FourFourTwo', Spurs fans voted the 29-year-old the worst signing in the club's history.
The Brazilian arrived at White Hart Lane for €20m and big things were expected from him. He started well in the capital, gaining the nickname 'the new Lampard' but things quickly went sour and the player soon became a figure of ridicule before heading East for just over €10m.
There is one moment of the player's Spurs career that will never be forgotten in London, the so-called 'unforgettable shot' as Paulinho took aim against Burnley, with a pretty humerous result.
What Messi should expect from the new maestro - Paulinho. pic.twitter.com/Ow0uFlcTnf
— Reggie. (@MatasLeftFoot8) 14 August 2017
But what may worry Barca fans even more is that the player was not sold due to a presumed lack of quality, but rather for his poor attitude. "At least some more limitad players put the effort in, he (Paulinho) simply did not," read one comment.
BREAKING: Barcelona sign former Spurs midfielder Paulinho for €40m.
— SPORF (@Sporf) 14 August 2017
Making him the club's 4th most expensive signing of all-time. pic.twitter.com/WnErptKhpW
Will Paulinho be a success in Spain? Time will tell.