Brazil in one way or another has never really seen the English League as a stop for showcasing their soccer skills. The League was rightly proud of the number of players it produced who made it to their national squads in this World Cup. Out of 734 players spread over 32 teams, the EL comprised 107 players, the most of any league. The Bundesliga was a distant second with approximately 70 players. However when it came to representing the Brazilian squad, the EL was spared the blushes only through Gilberto Silva of Arsenal. The Bundesliga and the French League had 3 each and the Brazilian League had two. Most of the other players came from the La Liga and the Serie.
Brazilians have long shunned the English League. Edu, the Brazilian midfielder signed by Arsenal had a shortlived stay. Now Arsenal seems to be have taken the lead again and have signed on Julio Baptista from Real Madrid in a swap deal with former Arsenal midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes. Arsenal also signed U-20 Sao Paolo player Denilson. Arsenal already have Gilberto Silva, Brazilian midfielder, representing his national squad.
The only other Brazilian players that play in the EPL are defender Fabio Aurelio of Liverpool and midfielder Fabio Rochemback of Middlesborough. So amongst the 20 Premiership teams with approximately 30 players on the roster (600 players), the Brazilians only account for five
With Arsenal signing on Julio Baptista at the behest of fellow Brazilian teammate, Gilberto Silva, following that with young talent, Denilson, the indication is that Brazilians are beginning to find that the English League is worth exploring again.