Brazilian defender Lucas Mendes joins Marseille

Published Aug. 30, 2012 10:45 a.m. ET

foxsports

Marseille has signed defender Lucas Mendes on a four-year deal from Brazilian club Coritiba.

The French club, which is top of the league after three matches, said on its website Thursday that the Brazilian successfully passed a medical. No financial details were given.

The 22-year-old Mendes can play at either left back or center half, the position he last played for Coritiba.

Mendes, who played 139 matches in a four-year spell with Coritiba and scored two goals, says ''it was my dream to play in Europe and I thank Marseille for giving me the opportunity.''

Marseille has recruited modestly as it desperately tries to reduce debts. It recently sold France midfielder Alou Diarra to West Ham and Spanish right back Cesar Azpilicueta to Chelsea.