The Puskas nominee hiding in China
If you recognize the name Guilherme Madruga, it is probably because of his sensational bicycle kick goal that earned a FIFA Puskas Award nomination in 2023. That goal, scored while playing for Novorizontino, put him on the radar of football fans worldwide.
Now 25, Madruga is plying his trade at Shandong Luneng in the Chinese Super League. And according to the skouted.ai engine, he is one of the most undervalued midfielders on the planet.
The numbers are staggering
A 75 OVR central midfielder for under 800,000 euros. A UV score of 99. A deal score of 84. A contract that expires in 5 months.
Let that sink in.
In today’s market, where midfielders with half of Madruga’s technical ability regularly command eight-figure fees, finding a 75-rated CM for less than 1 million euros is almost unheard of. The Brazilian is being valued as if he plays in a semi-pro league, not one of Asia’s most competitive divisions.
What kind of player is he?
Madruga is a complete central midfielder. He can dictate play from deep, drive forward with the ball, and contribute defensively. His technique on the ball is excellent, as his Puskas-nominated goal demonstrated, and he brings the kind of flair that Brazilian midfielders are known for.
At 25, he is in his physical prime. He has experience in Brazilian football, which produced him, and the Chinese Super League, which tested him in a different environment. He is ready for a bigger stage.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| OVR | 75 |
| Age | 25 |
| Position | CM |
| UV Score | 99 |
| Deal Score | 84 |
| Contract | 2026 (5 months left) |
| Market Value | €490K-€800K |
The contract situation
With only 5 months left on his Shandong Luneng deal, Madruga is in a position of weakness for his current club and strength for any potential buyer. He can sign a pre-contract agreement with any club outside China starting now.
This means a European club could land him for absolutely nothing in January, or negotiate a nominal fee with Shandong this summer to secure him immediately.
A Puskas Award nominee, 75 OVR, in his prime, available for under 800K euros. If this is not a steal, nothing is.
AI Verdict: Strong Buy
The skouted.ai engine says it clearly: “UV score of 99 signals significant undervaluation. Contract expiring in 5 months, available at a discount.” For clubs in Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, or even lower-half Premier League sides, Madruga is a no-brainer.
View full profile and AI-powered transfer intelligence at skouted.ai