Palmeiras confirmed that they have completed the signing of exciting young Brazilian forward Leandro, who arrives from Grêmio for around £4.1m on a permanent deal.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Verdão, contributing greatly to their Série B championship winning campaign with a return of 13 goals in the league. He also scored 6 goals for his side in the preceding Paulista state championship.
His form for Palmeiras last season earned him two Brazil call-ups, and in the one appearance he eventually made for the Seleção he scored a 90th minute goal, after he replaced Ronaldinho late in the game versus Bolivia.
Leandro is considered one of the brightest young attacking talents in the Brazilian league, and the game time he got in Série B last season will have helped him develop. This season he’ll need to maintain this form in the top division and take his game to the next level, and make full use of his pace and sharpness up front to trouble defences in Série A.
Despite spending last season in the second tier, Palmeiras could still make a big impact at the top of the league in the 2014 season, and any sort of success will no doubt see Leandro playing a big part.
Leandro commented on Palmeiras’ official website:
It’s great to join a work from the beginning, and perform the pre-season alongside my team-mates. Every player always wants to be playing. This year I will be available to help and hope to help Palmeiras in the best possible way.
Anyone would want to join the Palmeiras team this year, the centennial year, but I’m even happier to say that now I really am a Palmeiras player. The negotiations were worked out and, thank God, I will be able to help the club in this important season.
Being called up to the Brazilian national team was the realization of a dream I had as a boy. I want to get on with the job at Palmeiras this season and, God willing, be called up to defend my country again.
Leandro’s deal will keep him at the club until December 31st 2017, and the transfer fee was stumped up with the help of outside investors, as is often the case with transfer deals in Brazilian football.