Cape Verde midfielder João Paulo is being linked with a switch from Otelul Galati to fellow Romanian side FC Rapid 1923, with speculation growing around the SuperLiga over his next move.
Reports in Romania suggest Rapid are monitoring the 27-year-old central midfielder, who is currently valued at around €700,000. The probability of the move remains unclear, with no firm percentage attached and no indication yet of how advanced any talks might be.
João Paulo’s contract situation at Otelul is not listed, prompting suggestions he could become a free agent or at least be available for a relatively modest fee compared with his market valuation. That uncertainty is fuelling interest, with Rapid 1923 thought to be exploring midfield reinforcements as they plan for the next phase of their SuperLiga campaign.
The left-footed midfielder only arrived at Otelul Galati after a spell with Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol, where his market value rose as high as €550,000 before climbing again to €700,000 following his move to Romania. His trajectory has been steadily upward since his early days in Cape Verde with Sporting Clube Praia and subsequent stints in Portugal at SC Maria da Fonte, Leça FC and CD Feirense.
Having developed through different European leagues – from the Portuguese system to the Moldovan top flight and now the Romanian SuperLiga – João Paulo has built a reputation as a versatile central presence rather than a specialist in one role. Born on 26 May 1998 in Ribeira Grande and standing at 1.80m, he offers a blend of physicality and technical ability that could appeal to a Rapid side looking to add depth and balance in midfield.
With the likelihood of the move still officially rated as “?” and no agreement in place, João Paulo’s future remains open – but a transfer to Rapid 1923 would mark another significant step in a career that appears to be gathering momentum.
