English Championship side Reading FC have confirmed the signing of 21-year-old Iran international Saeid Ezatolahi, today.
The midfielder will join Royals on a season-long loan from Russian outfit FC Rostov and becomes the club’s eighth signing of the summer.
Ezatolahi, who has also been on the books of Atletico Madrid, played for his country at the World Cup earlier this summer and started matches against Spain and Portugal.
Royals manager Paul Clement: “I’m very happy we have been able to sign Saeid on loan within 24 hours of this transfer window closing.
“He has experience playing at the highest level with both the Iranian national team and domestically with his current side FC Rostov and in time spent in Spain with Atlético Madrid. Now, I’m really looking forward to getting to work with him on the training pitch.”
Saeid Ezatollahi
“Saeid is a strong, powerful central midfield player with good technical ability.
Ezatolahi joined Madrid in August 2014 before penning a four-year deal with Rostov a year later. He made his debut in a 3-1 victory against Dynamo Moscow.
The midfielder has also had loan spells at Anzhi Makhachkala and Amkar Perm while in Russia.
Chief executive Ron Gourlay said: “Saeid is a very promising young midfielder who, despite only being 21 years of age, already has experience of top flight, European and international football.
“An opportunity to bring him to Reading on loan for the season was too good to miss, so we look forward to seeing him pull on the blue and white hoops.”
Technical director Brian Tevreden added: “I am delighted we have been able to further bolster our midfield options before the closure of the loan window and, in Saeid Ezatolahi, we believe we are adding a talented midfielder with real potential to our first team group.”
Ezatolahi is expected to link up with his new Royals teammates after the international break, which follows this weekend’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday.