By Simon Chiarelli

Currently plying his trade with former European Champions Benfica, the 18-year old attacking midfielder has reportedly joined the A-League champions in a deal worth €50,000 ($75,000), according to Portuguese newspaper Record.

An Australian Institute of Sport graduate, Patafta was a member of the Socceroos extended pre-World Cup squad, travelling to Holland to train with the side in the lead-up to the tournament, joining the likes of fellow youngster Kristian Sarkies and Birmingham’s Neil Kilkenny.

His performances during the camp sufficiently impressed former coach Guus Hiddink, who was rumoured to have made Patafta a transfer target for PSV Eindhoven prior to his departure.

The midfield dynamo also captained the Joeys during the U/17 FIFA World Cup in Peru, where, grouped against to-be champions Mexico, the side were bundled out of the group stages, winning only one match.

Initially overlooked for an A-League contract in the competition’s inaugural season, Patafta has been touted as the heir-apparent to Socceroo legend and Liverpool star Harry Kewell, making three first team appearances at Benfica last season despite his relative inexperience at a senior level.

Although diminutive, Patfata compensates for his lack of height through his speed and sublime ball skills, bolstering Victory’s already formidable forward line, which includes recent signing Carlos Hernandez, Danny Allsopp and the Asian Cup bound Archie Thompson.

While the Victory refused to comment on the deal, the news arrives days after Ernie Merrick confirmed his side were in the market to secure attacking cover for Thompson and Allsopp for their forthcoming title defence and Asian Champions League campaign.