Tottenham Hotspur are willing to let midfielder Paulinho go as part of transfer window clear-out, according to reports. With a possible place in Brazil Head Coach Dunga’s squad for the 2015 Copa America to aim for, Paulinho has been linked with a loan move back to old club Corinthians.
Prior to pitching up in London, the midfielder had struck up an effective midfield partnership at Brazilian outfit Corinthians with holding man and enforcer Ralf. Together, they lifted the 2011 Campeonato Brasileiro, the 2012 Copa Libertadores and helped defeat Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup. Those major triumphs of course came under the tutorship of Tite, now back at the helm of the Corinthians ship. And he has requested the return of Paulinho, dragging him out of his White Hart Lane misery.
Paulinho has found himself increasingly marginalised under Pochettino so far this season. The 26 year-old, who was signed from Corinthians for a reported fee of €19.73 million in July 2013, has so far made 16 appearances in all competitions, but has featured just seven times in the Premier League and is yet to be given a start.
The São Paulo native has been strongly paired with Italian outfit Internazionale, while former club Corinthians and Brasileirão holders Cruzeiro are also believed to be keen. Paulinho’s reputation in Brazil should still be strong – despite his disappointing 2014 FIFA World Cup, due to his success at Corinthians.
