FCSB clapped hands with the Superliga team » Gigi Becali revealed the transfer amount for GSP: “That's how much we pay”
FCSB and Oțelul have agreed on the transfer of Joao Paulo (27 years old), international midfielder of the Islands Cape Verde. Gigi Becali told GSP that the documents were signed.
FCSB will pay 600,000 euros for Joao Paulo, who will leave Oțelul half a year after arriving in Galați.
FCSB agreed with Steel for Joao Paulo
The World Cup-qualified player would be the third transfer of the winter for the Romanian champions, after Andre Duarte and Ofri Arad, both taken for free. Joao Paulo would arrive in Bucharest on Monday or Tuesday to sign with FCSB, according to golazo.ro.
“Now FCSB will reach an agreement with the player, but we don't think there will be any problems. Our wish was for him to stay for the match with Botoșani, but that remains to be seen, under the current conditions,” Otelu officials told GSP.ro.
Oțelul will play against FC Botoşani on Monday, from 18:30. It could be Joao Paulo's last match for the Galatasaray team. The midfielder arrived at the Steel in the summer, for free, from Sheriff.
Gigi Becali, for GSP.ro: “We are paying 600,000 euros now”
Contacted by GSP, Gigi Becali also confirmed the transfer. He revealed that he is paying 600,000 euros, but also that the Steel will collect the money offered by FIFA because Joao Paulo will play in the World Championship. In total, the Galatasaray would reach 1 million euros for the midfielder taken for free.
“I took him, yes. Now we're doing the paperwork. I couldn't say I wanted him because after that others got involved. How do I see that Becali wants a player, how does he get involved in making an offer. So I say I don't want it until I do the paperwork. Now I've done the paperwork. I don't know the exact amount. It will be around one million euros.
We pay 600,000 new euros, and Oțelul will also take the money that FIFA gives for the presence at the World Cup. Steel keeps that money, we're not taking it. We will transfer them to Steel. I think it will be around a million euros altogether“, said the boss from FCSB, for Gazeta Sporturilor.
Joao Paulo, idol among Galata supporters
Who is Joao Paulo?
Paulo played 22 games for Laszlo Balint's team. He has 20 games in the Superliga, being a basic piece in the gear of the team that fights in the play-offs.
Throughout his career, Joao Paulo also played for Sporting Praia, Maria da Fonte, Leca, Fairense, Sheriff and Oțelul. He arrived in Portugal in 2018, from his native country. After 5 years he signed with Sheriff, where he played from 2023 to 2025, before coming to the Superliga.
Joao Paulo is quoted at 700,000 euros on the transfermarkt and was also wanted by Rapid this season. At FCSB, he will fight for a starting position with Mihai Lixandru, Ofri Arad and Baba Alhassan.
19 matcheshas Joao Paulo in European cups, all for Sheriff
