AC Milan's Robinho (Photo : Reuters)
China Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande accomplished two expensive transfers after signing former Brazilian manager Luiz Felipe Scolari for a two and a half year contract as the team's head coach early last month. The transfers included two Brazilian stalwarts, midfielder Paulinho and forward Robinho.
The 26-year-old Paulinho was the first to come to Tianhe to the tune of £9.9 million, as reported by BBC Sport. He was formerly the midfielder of English club Tottenham Hotspur and appeared for the team for 67 games in two seasons, scoring 10 goals in the process.
"I'd like to thank Tottenham and all the supporters who welcomed me very well during those two years in England. I will always cheer for Spurs," he said after signing a four-year deal with the Southern China Tigers.
Meanwhile, SkySports reported that Paulinho's international teammate Robinho is set to join him at Guangzhou this month, although the transfer amount is still undisclosed.
The 31-year-old forward spent last season on loan to Brazilian team Santos from Italian club AC Milan where he a player since 2010.
Robinho's best years were with Real Madrid from 2005 to 2008 where he capped 101 times and scored 25 goals. After that he spent two years at Manchester City, who bought him from Real for £32.5 million.
The two players join fellow Brazilians Alan, Renê Júnior, Elkeson, and Ricardo Goulart at Evergrande.
As of this time, Guangzhou is at third place in the CSL and just two points behind league-leaders Beijing Guoan. The Tigers have won four straight titles since 2011 and hopes to extend their reign this year.
