Real Madrid on Tuesday announced they had signed Brazilian side Fluminense's teenaged left-back Marcelo on a six-year deal.
The 18-year-old Marcelo Vieira Da Silva Junior, known simply as Marcelo, is described by the club as the successor to Brazilian compatriot Roberto Carlos, 33.
Real president Ramon Calderon said in a statement on the club's website: "Marcelo has signed for the rest of this season and five more seasons, until June 2012.
"He's a young player who will bring freshness to the club."
Calderon added that Roberto Carlos would not be put out to pasture straight away.
"Roberto Carlos has extended his contract by a year, that's what he wanted," added the Real chief.
"He's happy, but Marcelo will replace him when he stops. He's only 18 years old and he's here for a long time."
Marcelo, who was signed after undergoing a medical, will be presented to the press on Wednesday.