Future stars - Alex Sandro

Not a big name in the world of football just yet, but Alex Sandro is the latest in a long line of hugely talented young Brazilian footballers.  The 20-year-old  wing back joined FC Porto this summer, with the Portuguese club continuing to purchase young South Americans with the aim of selling them on for a huge profit.  Something they do incredibly well.

Sandro's instincts are very much to attack above defend, something we have become accustomed to seeing from Brazilian's in this position.  And also something that has become common place in Portugal.

Atletico Paranaense is where the promising youngster started his career, coming through their younth ranks and making his debut in the first team in October 2008.  The next year he was well and truly established within the ranks of the first team, but Atletico knew they would soon be under intense pressure to keep hold of such a promising star.

And when Santos' financial might came knocking, they were powerless to keep hold.  Sandro joined the star-studded squad assembled by the Brazilian club,  who also boast fellow hopefuls for the future Ganso and Neymar.  After settling into life quickly in this side, it was expected he would stay on with his two compatriots who rejected huge overtures to move to Europe in the summer.

However FC Porto's persistence paid off, beating rivals Benfica to the signature, and Sandro was on the move again and joined for around £8m.  This transfer followed hugely successful turnouts in both the South American Youth Championships and Fifa Under-20 World Cup.  Although following an injury in the latter, his participation on club level had to be delayed.  Only recently has he made his debut for the Portuguese giants.

This is yet another example of Porto buying for the future, like we have seen on many occasion.  Just think Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves etc, players who joined for pittance and left for massive sums.  This time they have another peach, a player who loved to attack but can also defend very well and given a good two years could see his place in Brazil's 2014 World Cup squad secured.