Paulinho has re-joined Guangzhou Evergrande after one season on loan from Barcelona.

Guangzhou have the option to purchase Paulinho next summer and, although no loan or potential transfer fees have been announced, any future permanent deal is expected to be considerably more than the £36 million Barcelona paid for Paulinho less than 11 months ago.

“The level of the Super League has improved year by year and the development prospects are very good,” Paulinho told Guangzhou’s website. “After training in Evergrande and Barcelona, and following the Brazilian national team in the World Cup, I got a good experience. I chose to return to the Super League this time, hoping to bring more championships to Guangzhou and Guangzhou fans. I also hope to give the Super League more excitement!”

Paulinho becomes Barcelona’s third major departure of the summer, with Andrés Iniesta moving on a free transfer to Vissel Kobe in Japan and Gerard Deulofeu rejoining Watford for £11.5 million.