Tottenham are not in a good position in the league considering their pre-season aspirations. They currently reside in 12th place in the Premier League, well away from any top four finish. Whilst manager Mauricio Pochettino has used over 20 players to try and change this, one player that has hardly been used, and almost forgotten about, is Paulinho.
The Brazilian joined Spurs from Corinthians back in July 2013 for a fee of just under £17m, and was used regularly in the squad last season under previous managers Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood. Last season, he made 30 league appearances, scoring six goals and providing two assists.
This season, it’s a completely different story. The 26-year-old has only made one substitute appearance in the Premier League in the loss against West Brom, and a handful of appearances in the Europa League. What has happened to the midfielder? The answer quite possibly is he hasn’t been good enough in training or in the Europa League to deserve anymore starts.
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Click on the Brazilian international to reveal his potential employers
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Corinthians
Paulinho has been linked with a move back to Brazil, to Corinthians. It has been rumoured that there was a possibility the 26-year-old could move back to his previous club on loan due to his struggling form, but this was shot down by Pochettino. Having slipped down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, the Brazilian could demand a move, so that he can rediscover his form in more comfortable surroundings.
Juventus
The London Evening Standard has reported if Paulinho were to move, he would prefer a move to Europe, rather than a move back to South America. One of those destinations could be Serie A side Juventus, who have taken an interest in the Brazilian. There could be a starting place on offer if Paul Pogba or Arturo Vidal leaves the Italian side, but the likelihood is that he will be used in rotation.
Roma
Roma are another Italian club interested in the services of Paulinho. With Miralem Pjanic linked with a move away from the Italian side, this could open up a spot for the Brazilian in the side. Being an all rounded midfielder, Paulinho would be able to provide assistance in defensive and attacking movements for I Giallorossi.
Everton
If Paulinho was to stay in the Premier League, a possibility could be a move to Everton. The Toffees have recently had a stroke of bad luck with Gareth Barry picking up an ankle injury last weekend and could be looking for a possible squad filler to replace him whilst he’s injured. The Brazilian would be an ideal replacement, but this would most likely only be a loan move, as Tottenham may be reluctant to sell to a side that is also competing against them in the league for a European spot.
Real Madrid
It may sound farfetched, but Real Madrid could be a possible destination for Paulinho. The midfielder was linked with a move to the Spanish giants whilst he was still at Corinthians. They were originally going to use Kaka as part of the deal to bring the Brazilian to the Bernabeu back in the summer of 2013. Fast forward to today and he could still move their but only as a first reserve as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have cemented their spots in the starting line-up and don’t look like budging anytime soon. The appeal of trophies will be a plus for Paulinho as well, as Madrid are always contenders in La Liga and the Champions League.
