Brighton snap up Iranian star Jahanbakhsh for club-record fee

Brighton & Hove Albion have paid a club-record fee to complete the signing of Iranian international Alireza Jahanbakhsh from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

Jahanbakhsh reportedly cost around £17 million, according to the Argus' Andy Naylor. He signed a five-year contract with the Seagulls on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old led the Eredivisie in goals with 21 last season, and pitched in with another 12 assists from the right wing.

He is Brighton's eighth signing of the close season following the arrivals of Yves Bissouma, Bernardo, Florin Andone, David Button, Percy Tau, Leon Balogun, and Jason Steele.

"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 said in a statement. "He can play in a wide position or central midfield attacking role, and I am now very much looking forward to working with him."

Jurgen Locadia, who joined Brighton in January from Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, was Brighton's previous record signing at a reported £14 million.

In Iran's World Cup, Jahanbakhsh served as an attacking outlet for Carlos Queiroz's otherwise defensive ranks. Before that, he helped Alkmaar to a third-place finish, their highest position since they won the league in 2008-09.

He's a flexible player who can send in crosses and score goals in equal measure. Although he likes to occupy the wide areas, he can drift into the middle and get involved in the buildup play. He's also unafraid to let fly, firing more shots than the likes of Luis Suarez and Robert Lewandowski in league play last season.