5 of the strangest signings made in football 

Nicklas Bendtner made a shocking loan move to Juventus in 2012, but does he make the list?
Nicklas Bendtner made a shocking loan move to Juventus in 2012, but does he make the list?

#1 Paulinho (Guangzhou Evergrande to FC Barcelona)

Paulinho signed for Barcelona in the summer of 2017
Paulinho signed for Barcelona in the summer of 2017

Paulinho started off as one of the brightest young prospects in Brazil until a move to the Premier League enticed him. Paulinho moved from Corinthians to Spurs in the summer of 2013. But there came the seeming end of his career at the top. He became infamous among the fans for his consistently poor performances and earned the nickname, ‘The Tottenham Flop’. Then, he did what all bad performers do, move to China.

When Paulinho signed for Barcelona in August from Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande for €40 million, the deal was widely viewed with derision, with both fans and the media doubting the Brazilian's quality to thrive at Camp Nou. Much to everyone's surprise, he rejuvenated his career under the Blaugrana and received praise for his performances throughout the season; becoming one of Barcelona's key players as they won the domestic double. He finished the season with 9 goals in 49 appearances. However, he re-joined Guangzhou Evergrande after just one season at Barcelona.

Quick Links

Edited by Aaditya Narayan
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications