Leandro, 23, scored 22 goals in 55 appearances for Kobe over the past two seasons.

"I'm so delighted to have been given an opportunity to play for a big team like Gamba who are always involved in the title race," Leandro said.

"I'll play my best for the team to try and win as many titles as possible."

Leandro formerly played for Corinthians, Nacional AC and Sao Paulo before joining J. League club Omiya Ardija in August 2005.

He moved to Montedito Yamagata in 2006 before making the switch to Kobe in 2007.

Gamba also decided not to renew the contract of Brazilian striker Roni, who had joined the Asian Champions League winners in August from Yokohama F. Marinos.

Kobe, meanwhile, announced the capture of Brazilian midfielder Alan Bahia on loan from Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense. The 25-year-old played 317 times for Atletico, scoring 41 goals

end.