Tottenham Transfer News: Corinthians Confirm Paulinho Will Sign For Spurs
Corinthians midfielder Paulinho was instrumental in the Brazilian National Team’s Confederations Cup success, but with the trophy secured, the 24-year-old turned his sights on a summer move.
As reported by George Ankers of Goal.com, Paulinho will join Tottenham Hotspur after the clubs agreed to a rumored £17 million transfer fee on June 22.
Real Madrid were also in the running for the star central midfielder, but Spurs were able to secure the deal on the heels of countless rumours linking the two sides.
Paulinho notched Brazil’s winning goal against Uruguay in the Confederations Cup semifinals—one of five goals in 17 caps with the national team. Apart from superstar striker Neymar, there wasn’t a more consistent player for Brazil in the last couple years.
For Spurs, inking a budding star like Paulinho was an easy decision, especially at the £17 million asking price. Tottenham came up just a point shy of a top-four finish in the Premier League last term behind Arsenal, and adding a true box-to-box midfielder like Paulinho was a step in the right direction for increased success next term.
Spurs aren’t the only happy party in the deal. Paulinho has also spoken very highly of his new club, as quoted by Sky Sports:
“To play in England for a great team like Tottenham is a dream. What I respect about Tottenham is the ambition they have shown.”
With Gareth Bale unlikely to make a summer exit from White Hart Lane, Paulinho had no reason to question Spurs' desire to notch a Champions League berth and win a title next term. Given the pieces Tottenham have in place, the Brazilian will have a tremendous opportunity to do so as an integral part of the club going forward.
