According to Sky Sport, S.C. Braga striker Paulinho is on Lazio’s transfer shortlist. This interest in the 27-year-old Portuguese attacker is a result of Felipe Caicedo’s likely departure to Al-Gharafa SC; the Biancocelesti will need to secure a replacement and they are looking for younger, experienced, and established talent to improve the overall quality of the squad.
Paulinho joined Braga on a free transfer (after his contract expiry with Gil Vicente FC) in 2017, and his last contract extension came in 2018 (which extended his deal with the Portuguese Primeira Liga side until 30.06.2023). Therefore, it is important to note that if – and when – the club ends up selling the player, they will experience an important capital gain.
While Lazio are said to be interested in Paulinho, with Fenerbahçe’s Vedat Muriqi and Real Madrid’s Borja Mayoral heavily linked to the Biancocelesti, it seems unlikely they will pursue the player unless they fail to secure one (or two) of the aforementioned attackers.
In the 2019/20 season, Paulinho made 48 appearances for Braga, scoring 25 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions (Primeira Liga UEFA Europa League, Allianz Cup, Taça de Portugal Placard).
