Highly-rated Brazilian Under-20 international midfielder Alef signed for Portuguese Cup finalists Sporting Braga on Wednesday from Brazil outfit Ponte Preta.

The 20-year-old --who played for Brazil at the recent World Under-20 championships in New Zealand -- signed a five year contract with Braga, who enjoyed a successful season in also finishing fourth in the league.

Alef, who came through the youth system at Ponte Preta, was on loan at French Ligue 1 outfit Marseille last season and played for the reserves but they decided not to take up the option to buy him.