Brazilian defender Alef signed for French Ligue 1 giants Marseille on loan from Brazil second division outfit Ponte Preta on Thursday.

The 20-year-old -- who can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder -- will fill the vacuum left by compatriot Lucas Mendes, who signed for Qatari side Al Jaish.

While Marseille did not confirm the deal the player took the time to thank his former employers.

"I would like to thank Ponte Preta for the time that I spent with them," he said.

"I will always hold this club close to my heart and I have a desire to return there one day."

Marseille, managed by former Argentina and Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa, are in need of a good result this weekend away at Guingamp after failing to win their first two Ligue 1 games of the season, including a 2-0 loss at home to Montpellier last weekend.