Liu Yongzhuo，chairman of Guangzhou Evergrande, with Pereira after the Brazilian international signed a four-year contract. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Brazilian international Ricardo Goulart Pereira has joined Chinese Super League Guangzhou Evergrande on a four-year deal, becoming the most expensive foreign signing in Chinese soccer history, the club said Tuesday.

Defending league champion Evergrande spent 15 million euros ($17.74 million) to secure his move from reigning Brazilian champion Cruzeiro Esporte.

Goulart, 23, the younger brother of Los Angeles Galaxy's Juninho, scored 15 goals in 26 appearances last season. He will join up with the Guangzhou club for pre-season training in Spain on Jan 20.

Capped once by Brazil last year, his arrival is expected to boost the Chinese side's strength in domestic and international competition, the club said.