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Former Man City Flop Jo Tipped To Make Return To Europe

Former Man City Flop Jo Tipped To Make Return To Europe

He is one of the worst signings in City's history...

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Former Manchester City striker Jo has been tipped to make a return to European football in January, with Serie A side Napoli linked with the Brazilian.

The 30-year old moved to City when Mark Hughes was in charge in 2008 for a then-club record £19 million fee and had a reputation for being a prolific striker, having netted 44 goals in 78 appearances for CSKA Moscow.

However, he never got going at the Etihad Stadium, scoring six goals - just one in the Premier League - and was loaned out twice, to Everton and Galatasaray respectively.

Jo is viewed as one of the worst ever signings in Premier League history. Images: PA

Since flopping at City, he returned to his native Brazil with stints at Internacional and Atletico Mineiro, turned out for Al Shabab in Dubai, as well as Jiangsu Suning in the Chinese Super League.

But it is with boyhood club Corinthians, in his second spell with the club, that he has rediscovered his goalscoring touch. After signing a three-year deal a year ago, Jo scored 18 times as Corinthians won the Brazilian Serie A title for the seventh time - including two crucial goals with Fluminense last week.

Here's Jo's second goal against Fluminense, which prompted an incredible celebration from the legendary Ronaldo in the stands.

And his form has attracted interest from Napoli, who could make a January move. Brazilian journalist Sergio Xavier told SporTV that an offer is coming in for the striker and name-dropped Maurizio Sarri's outfit, who are leading the way at the top of the pile in Serie A.

Image: PA

"An offer is coming for Jo, possibly from Napoli," he said, as translated by 1 News Net.

"At 30, the chance to play in a [top] European league is difficult to refuse. We are not talking about China or Turkey."

If Jo does end up joining Napoli and continues where he left off, it could boost his chances of a recall to the Brazil squad ahead of the World Cup. He's scored five times for his country and appeared at the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Manchester City, Football