Leverkusen sign teenage striker Paulinho from Vasco da Gama

Berlin :   Bayer Leverkusen have signed 17-year-old striker Paulinho from Brazil's top-flight football outfit Vasco Da Gama on a five-year deal until June 2023.

Both clubs on Friday agreed to maintain silence over contract details such as the transfer fee, reports Xinhua news agency.

"This boy quickly convinced us with his technical skill, dynamism, assertiveness and his goal scoring abilities. He is a very good player despite his young age. We are looking forward to another great player in our jersey," Leverkusen sporting manager Jonas Boldt said in a statement.

It is a huge success for Bayer Leverkusen as several European top-flight clubs have shown interest in the upcoming talent. However, Leverkusen is known in Brazil for brining up stars like Emerson, Lucio, Jorginho, Ze Robert or Juan.

Paulo Henrique Sampaio Filho, known as Paulinho, said: "The club has a great reputation in my homeland. Everyone knows them as the club in Europe where many Brazilian have become very happy.

"I think it is important to make a transfer abroad and therefore I have chosen a club that works seriously and yet pursues great goals. With Bayer I want to get to know all of Europe."

The young talent is currently on the road to recovery after suffering a fracture in the arm during the clash against Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte in April.

"We proceed on the assumption that Paulinho will join us in shape in mid-July," Boldt said.

Heiko Herrlich-coached Leverkusen sit currently fourth place in the Bundesliga standings and are eyeing for a direct berth in UEFA Champions League next season with three rounds to spare.