Paulinho leaves CSL club for Barcelona

File photo of Brazilian midfielder Paulinho. [Photo: sina.com]

Brazilian midfielder Paulinho has completed his move from the Chinese Super League (CSL) to Barcelona, the CSL side Guangzhou Evergrande announced on Monday.

According to the statement of the CSL giant, Guangzhou Evergrande has rejected Barca's bids several times before the Spanish powerhouse triggered the 40 million-euro release clause to sign the marauding midfielder as Neymar's 222 million euros transfer fee has finally been made available in the club's accounts.

Paulinho, 29, joined Guangzhou Evergrande two years ago on a transfer fee of 14 million-euro and had scored 25 goals in 95 appearances.