Iran boss backed Jahanbakhsh’s decision to join Albion

The Argus – BRIGHTON, Albion record-breaker Alireza Jahanbakhsh has revealed how his national team boss backed his decision to sign – second time around.

The Iran winger yesterday completed a five-year deal and made his move from Dutch high-flyers AZ Alkmaar for an undisclosed fee believed to be £17 million.

He arrives three years after turning down Albion’s approach due to his concerns about the physical nature of the Championship.

Now he has told The Argus how former Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz backed that decision – and his choice of clubs this summer.

Jahanbakhsh attracted interest from several suitors, including Leicester, as he scored 21 times and added 12 assists in the Eredivisie last term.

He told The Argus: “For this decision coming to Brighton, he (Queiroz) was one of the first people I spoke to and he was really positive about my move. I gave him all the options that I had and he was really positive about Brighton. Last time he knew I was just 21 and all the factors.

“He was working here for a few years so he knew about the environment, the culture and everything. This time without doubt he just said –‘do it’.”

The fee paid for Jahanbakhsh, 24, eclipses the £14 million Albion splashed out on PSV forward Jurgen Locadia in January.

That in turn beat the previous record of £10 million, also to PSV, for midfielder Davy Propper.

Jahanbakhsh, who joins his new colleagues for training today, said: “I’ve played against Davy, a very good player and a really good guy.

“I’ve played against Locadia – very good player.

“They were also reasons for me to move here. I don’t really know them personally but I’m looking forward to seeing them.”