Alireza Jahanbakhsh @ AZ Alkmaar | 2017 - 2018

[Farhad21]

so he chose Brighton over leicester city because they paid more?
Bad move really
Leicester is 3x more popular and has some very well known players

[PSGman#19]

Did brighton even sell players to top premier league teams or other top4 league?

So much suspens and mysterious instagram message to end to a bottom premier league team

[Farhad21]

Brighton is full of unknown players 2 of which are from Israel,
He could easily be the star of the team😂

[footballeirani]

I do not get the point of all these Instagram videos and hints before signing with a bottom side EPL team with honestly no super star players. The same team he said no to 3 years ago.

[oreosx11]

What is up with the negativity and down playing of this? An EPL team is about to pay 20+ million for an Iranian-born player... Of course we want the best for him, but let's be realistic. Also, if truly Brighton is his team, the fact they're shelling out more money shows they aren't planning on skating by this year. Let's judge on what happens this year, not the past.

[Ando Teymourian]

Man I feel like some guys just feel like saying something, without really thinking.

Brighton today is not the same team they were 3 years ago - do you think playing in Championship would have helped him? I'd rather our youngsters go to Holland than Championship.

Also Brighton is showing that they want to compete in Premier League now rather than being a one and done team. Did anyone actually even watch their games last season? They play some attractive football and JB will only add to that.


Please keep in mind that its quite clear that the major Leicester players do NOT like Puel and its very possible he is fired if they have a rocky start. The last thing JB needs is to go to a team where the coach who wanted him is fired and the new manager does not like and does not play him.

[Fesenjan]

By all accounts, ARJ would be BHAFC's marquee offseason signing. Clearly, the club has tremendous faith in Alireza to become a cornerstone of their franchise, helping them rise up the ranks of the EPL.

From an opportunity standpoint, does it (realistically) get much better than that?

[inarsenewetrust]

By all accounts, ARJ would be BHAFC's marquee offseason signing. Clearly, the club has tremendous faith in Alireza to become a cornerstone of their franchise, helping them rise up the ranks of the EPL.

From an opportunity standpoint, does it (realistically) get much better than that?

yes, realistically, if not for an unexpected and ugly managerial change, that wouldnt have occurred if not for 1-2 end of season results, sarri would have remained napoli and they would have gotten ARJ

[Fesenjan]

yes, realistically, if not for an unexpected and ugly managerial change, that wouldnt have occurred if not for 1-2 end of season results, sarri would have remained napoli and they would have gotten ARJ

Point taken, but were there any indications that it would've been Napoli's marquee signing? Any indication that he would've become a foundational piece to lead their squad?

[Kas-r]

so he chose Brighton over leicester city because they paid more?
Bad move really
Leicester is 3x more popular and has some very well known players

Who cares if Leicester is more popular than Brighton? Leicester was a Championship club two years before they became a one-hit-wonder as BPL champions. A result which they probably will not have again in the coming decades.

Brighton on the other hand has followed Alireza for years, is seriously trying to develop itself as Premier League team and is willing to pay a relatively large sum of money for ARJ.

Alireza will get the same exposure at Brighton in the most competitive competition in the world as he would have at Leicester.

Considering the fact that our boy wonder has carefully outlined his own career, making his choices based on long-term considerations rather than short-term interests, I don't doubt that he has thoroughly weighed whether Brighton is the right move for him.

[Leicester City]

Does Jahanbakhsh have a release clause when Brighton are relegated?

[GolfePersique]

Let’s be realistic. Alireza has yet to prove himself as a consistent player at top level competition.
I’d rather him getting regular playing time and adaption to EPL than warming the bench in team with high expectations.

Having said that, I have no doubt in his capabilities and attitude. If he manages to score 10+ goals and 5-10 more assists in this season in a team like Brighton, there will be a high chance that sarri will take him to Chelsea next season for 50+ million euros.

Let’s trust this guy and support him. He hasn’t disappointed us with his career decisions so far and surely he will make every Iranian fan proud.

[PEJ]

Do you guys seriously think that ARJ and his management team just flipped a coin and decided to go to Brighton? When a player picks a team there is so much that goes into the decision. Obviously ARJ felt like Brighton is a better fit at this stage of his career and gives him the best opportunity to succeed and achieve his goals.

[inarsenewetrust]

Point taken, but were there any indications that it would've been Napoli's marquee signing? Any indication that he would've become a foundational piece to lead their squad?

no, but he would certainly play matches and be pushing for a starting spot. Going for Champions league and League , as well as domestic cups is very presitigous, requires a large squad, and the pressure and expectation, as well as the next level coaching and personnel would have really elevated his game. This move just wont, even in its best outcome, it will just be a place that he shows his same skills against better opposition, and earns a better move. But i dont think the club, the coach, the players, the new team itself will improve ARJ. I think we can all agree on that at least.

[inarsenewetrust]

Also I really dont see the need for him to keep teasing us about this transfer, few iranians are excited about this, he may as well announce it and end the tension.