BRIGHTON have smashed their transfer record to sign Iranian winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

The 24-year-old has joined Albion on a five-year contract after leaving AZ Alkmaar for a fee believed to be in the region of £17million.

Boss Chris Hughton said: “We are delighted to welcome Alireza to the club, and we are particularly pleased to get this deal over the line.

“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.

“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, who starred for his country at the Russia World Cup, becomes the Seagulls’ eighth major signing this summer.

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