New Year, New Contract?! Paulinho to Leave Nike

Paulinho, who has made quite a name for himself at the Camp Nou following his summer move from China, appears to holding out for a new boot contract. At least that's the impression given by him wearing blacked-out football boots in today's league game against Levante.

Usually with Nike and wearing the Nike Mercurial Vapor XI 'Play Fire' cleats recently, Paulinho has blacked out a pair of the exact model and colorway to hide all brandings.

With the new year only just behind us, it's likely that Paulinho's previous contract with Nike has ended and he's currently not happy with the terms offered to renew.

Given Paulinho's increased stance in the game as a starter for Brazil and important player at Barcelona, he should be a target for all the big brands, although Nike is obviously the most likely option here.

Do you think Paulinho will stay in blackouts long or will a brand offer him a contract to match his status soon? Leave a comment below.