One year, one defeat, two trophies and a €10m profit

Paulinho landed in Barcelona to a chorus of criticism. The €40m invested in the midfielder led to a backlash from fans, who didn't understand the club's thinking behind the move. 

One year on, Paulinho is leaving the Camp Nou with two trophies in the cabinet, having lost just one of the 50 games he played in, and leaving €10m in the bank for Barca with respect to what they paid for him. 

His absence in Rome was one of the factors that led to Barcelona being eliminated from the Champions League. His ability as a box-to-box midfielder was of great use to Ernesto Valverde over the season, and he eased a year of transition for the club.

- A talisman for Valverde -

Paulinho didn't add much to Barcelona's game, but he did bring goals, finishing, and alternative solutions to a midfield in the midst of reconstruction. 9 goals and 3 assists from a deep midfield role is no bad haul.

27 starts and a final goal in what would turn out to be his last game for the club, against Villarreal. Paulinho chipped in for Barca, contributing to a double-winning season which aleviated Neymar's departure from the club.

- Mission accomplished -

Now, he is returning to China, to the same club that he came from last year. Earning Barca more than they paid for him, with two trophies more on his CV and experience at the highest level of world football. The operation, which has benefited Barca too, couldn't have really gone better. Furthermore, his departure frees up a non-EU spot at the club. Maybe the arrival of Arthur, who will join the club this summer, was a factor in Paulinho's departure.

Whatever anyone says, it cannot be denied that the Brazilian's time in Catalonia was a success. He defied expectations, and he leaves the club in very good stead.