Sporting Club of Portugal have confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Elias from Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old, who moved to the Vincente Calderon in January from Corinthians, moves west to Lisbon after the clubs agreed to a 8.85 million Euro deal on Tuesday.
The sale is Atletico's third major departure of the month, the Colchoneros having already lost attackers Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) and Diego Forlan (Inter Milan).
The Brazilian is also the second midfielder to leave for Portugal this week, with 21-year-old Fran Merida having been loaned to Sporting Braga.
Elias's departure allows Atletico to turn a quick profit on Elias, with unconfirmed numbers having the central midfielder arrive in January for 6.7 million Euro.
While with Atletico, Elias made 15 league appearances, scoring twice.
Elias failed to appear in Atletico's weekend opener against Osasuna, where Gabi, Thiago Mendes and Mario Suarez started in a three man midfield, with Juanfran and Arda Turan coming on as substitutes.
