Bayer Leverkusen have signed Brazilian left-back Wendell for next season on a five-year deal to continue the club's tradition of recruiting south American talent.
The 20-year-old, who will join Bayer at the end of the season, currently plays in the Brazilian top flight for Gremio, on loan from fourth-tier Londrina.
Wendell has penned a deal until June 2019 after Bayer's director of sport Rudi Voeller flew to south American to complete the signing.
"Wendell is a big talent who can play a decisive role for us," said Voeller.
"We are sure that at Bayer, he can continue Leverkusen's great tradition of fielding top Brazilian players."
Voeller watched the new signing play in a 3-0 win over Colombia's Atletico Nacional in south American's Copa Libertadores along with assistant coach Daniel Niedzkowski.
According to Brazilian newspaper Zero Hora, Wendell cost Leverkusen 6.5 million euros (US$8.8m).
He was advised to join Leverkusen by compatriot and former Bayern Munich star Ze Roberto, who now plays for Gremio.
The 39-year-old spent four years at Leverkusen, with whom he reached the 2002 Champions League final, then won four Bundesliga titles with Bayern.
Leverkusen has a history of signing Brazil internationals -- as well as Ze Roberto, right-back Jorginho and attacking midfielder Paulo Sergio have also featured for the German side.
