The Puskas winner nobody is talking about
If you recognize the name Guilherme Madruga, it is probably because of his stunning bicycle kick goal that won the FIFA Puskas Award in 2023. That goal put him on the global highlight reel, but what happened next is even more interesting from a transfer intelligence perspective.
Madruga moved to Shandong Luneng in the Chinese Super League, where he has been quietly producing excellent performances. The skouted.ai engine rates him at 75 OVR, which is the kind of rating you would expect from a solid starter in a top-10 European league. But his market value sits at a measly €490K to €800K.
The numbers that scream steal
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| OVR | 75 |
| Position | CM |
| Age | 25 |
| Nationality | Brazil |
| UV Score | 99 (Highly Undervalued) |
| Deal Score | 84 |
| Market Value | EUR 490K - EUR 800K |
| Contract | 2026 (5 months left) |
| Data Confidence | High |
The AI reasoning is damning for Shandong Luneng and a gift for any club looking for a midfielder: “UV score of 99 signals significant undervaluation. Contract expiring in 5 months, available at a discount.”
Let that sink in. A 75 OVR Brazilian midfielder, in his prime at 25, with high data confidence, available for under €1 million because his contract is running down. This is the definition of a transfer heist.
Why the Chinese Super League creates these opportunities
The CSL’s financial landscape has changed dramatically since the boom years of 2017-2020. Clubs are operating on tighter budgets, player wages have come down, and contracts are shorter. This creates a unique dynamic where quality players can be acquired for fractions of their true market value.
Madruga is the perfect case study. A Brazilian midfielder with technical flair, proven in a competitive league, and available at a clearance price. European clubs that overlook the CSL do so at their peril.
A 75 OVR Brazilian midfielder for under €800K with high data confidence. If this player were in Serie B or the Championship, his valuation would be five to ten times higher. The China discount is real.
The ideal destination
At 25, Madruga is entering his peak years. He is not a prospect who needs years of development. He is a ready-made midfielder who could step into a mid-table side in:
- Serie A - the tactical sophistication would suit his Brazilian technical base
- La Liga - his comfort in possession fits the Spanish style
- Primeira Liga - Portuguese clubs have a long history of signing Brazilians from abroad
- Eredivisie - the technical, attacking style would maximize his creative output
The contract situation is the key factor. With 5 months remaining, Madruga can sign a pre-contract agreement with any club. He could be available on a free transfer as early as January 2027.
AI Verdict: Strong Buy
Guilherme Madruga is one of the most compelling steals in the skouted.ai database. A 75 OVR at 25 with high data confidence, a 99 UV score, and a contract expiring in 5 months. The downside risk is minimal. The upside is a starting-caliber midfielder for less than the cost of a squad rotation player.
View full profile and AI-powered transfer intelligence at skouted.ai