Valverde ‘unhappy’ at Paulinho exit

Barcelona Coach Ernesto Valverde was deeply unhappy at the club’s decision to sell midfielder Paulinho, according to reports in Spain.

The Brazil international made 49 appearances for the Catalan giants last season after a €40m move from Guangzhou Evergrande, helping them to the Spanish league and cup ‘double’.

However, the 30-year-old has now returned to the Chinese Super League club but Diario AS say Valverde was not aware of the decision until after it was made.

The Barca sports management team of Pep Segura, Eric Abidal and Ramon Planes drove the exit, which is initially a loan deal with an expected €50m move.

Valverde was reportedly told he would be given a direct replacement for the former Tottenham man, with new signing Arthur Melo thought to replace outgoing captain Andres Iniesta.

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