Shakhtar sign Braga defender Ismaily

FC Shakhtar Donetsk have recruited defender Ismaily from SC Braga for a reported fee of €4m.

The 23-year-old, who scored once in 12 Liga appearances for Braga following his transfer from Portuguese rivals SC Olhanense last summer, has committed to a five-year contract with the Ukrainian club.

A pacy left-back with a powerful shot, he moved to Portugal from his homeland of Brazil in 2009 to play for GD Estoril-Praia and represented Braga in this season's UEFA Champions League group stage – making four appearances as the Arsenalistas finished bottom of Group H.

"Normally I am a defender, but I like to go forward too," said Ismaily. "I love to take part in my team's attacks. I have already adapted well to European football so believe I will be able to hit my stride at Shakhtar pretty quickly.

"I heard a lot about Shakhtar in Brazil," he added. "They are regarded as an up-and-coming club. I also knew they had a lot of Brazilian players, but when I arrived here I was astonished and amazed by what I saw. This is a fantastic club."

Shakhtar drew 2-2 with Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie. Ismaily will not be eligible to play for the Pitmen in Europe this term.