Cape Verde midfielder João Paulo has emerged as a rumoured target for German side Holstein Kiel, with the Otelul Galati player being linked with a move from Romania’s SuperLiga to the 2. Bundesliga.
Data from transfer specialists suggests Kiel are monitoring the 27-year-old central midfielder, although the reported likelihood of a deal currently stands at just 13%, underlining the tentative nature of the speculation. With no contract expiry publicly listed for his time at Otelul Galati, the possibility remains that any transfer could involve a relatively modest fee or even a free-agent scenario, depending on the fine print of his agreement in Galați.
João Paulo’s market value is currently estimated at €700,000, reflecting a steady rise over recent years as he has moved through European leagues. That valuation provides a reference point for negotiations and would fit within the profile of a calculated, mid-range investment for Holstein Kiel as they look to strengthen their midfield options.
The left-footed central midfielder, born on 26 May 1998 in Ribeira Grande, has built his career steadily since leaving Cape Verde. After starting out at Sporting Clube Praia, he moved to Portugal with SC Maria da Fonte in 2018, then Leça FC and CD Feirense, before heading east to FC Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova and subsequently to Otelul Galati in Romania. That pathway has given him experience in differing tactical environments, from the more technical Portuguese game to the physically demanding leagues of Eastern Europe.
Whether Holstein Kiel choose to act on their interest remains to be seen, but a switch to Germany’s second tier would represent another significant step in João Paulo’s upward trajectory and could prove a pivotal move in shaping the next phase of his career if the transfer materialises.
