Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the club-record signing of Iran international Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
Midfielder Jahanbakhsh has agreed a five-year contract to join Brighton from AZ Alkmaar for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old becomes Brighton’s eighth senior signing of the summer ahead of their second Premier League season.
“Ali is a player that we have been aware of and monitored for a few years, and his versatility will increase our attacking options within the squad,” manager Chris Hughton told the club’s official website.
“He can play in a wide position or central midfield attacking role, and I am now very much looking forward to working with him.”
Jahanbakhsh played all three matches in Iran’s FIFA 2018 World Cup campaign.
Last season he was the top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie, scoring 21 goals in 33 appearances and assisting another 12.
He could become only the fourth Iranian to play in the Premier League when the Seagulls begin the new season at Watford on Saturday 11 August.
? Looking good… ??#AlirezaAnnounced#BHAFC ?⚪️ pic.twitter.com/0w7AYGK2YA
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) July 25, 2018
See: Summer 2018 transfers – All the deals