体坛英语新闻：Leverkusen sign teenage striker Paulinho from Vasco da Gama

BERLIN, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Bayer Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old striker Paulinho from Brazil's top-flight outfit Vasco Da Gama.

The Bundesliga club announced the transfer in an official press release on Friday.

Paulo Henrique Sampaio Filho, known as Paulinho, will join Leverkusen on July 15 after putting pen to paper on a deal until June 2023.

Both clubs agreed to keep silence over further contract details such as transfer fee.

"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.

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.

"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," Paulinho said.

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's men encounter with Stuttgart at the 32nd round in Bundesliga on Saturday.

The "Werkself" sit currently 4th place in the standings and are eyeing for a direct berth in UEFA Champions League next season with three rounds to spare.