Shakhtar Donetsk signs defender Ismaily

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

KIEV, Ukraine — Ukranian champion Shakhtar Donetsk has signed Brazilian defender Ismaily to a five-year contract from Portuguese club Braga.

Shakhtar said in a statement published on its website late Thursday that it paid a transfer fee of (euro)4 million for the 23-year-old player.

Prior to Braga, Ismaily played for Estoril and Olhanense in Portugal and Brazilian clubs Desportivo and Sao Bento.

Ismaily says "this is a huge opportunity for me and great trust has been entrusted in me," adding "I believe Shakhtar is one of Europe’s top teams."

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