TEHRANTIMES - Esteghlal football club has announced the signing of free agent defender Mohammad Hossein Kanaanizadegan, according to Iran League Organization.

The 22-year old defender, who played the last two years for Malavan in order to pass his military service, was supposed to return to Persepolis but archrival Esteghlal hijacked hem and signed a two-year contract with the palyer.

“Iran League Organization confirmed Kanaanizadegan is currently a free agent and as he was on our wish list, we signed a two-year contract with him,” Esteghlal acting president Bahram Afsharzadeh said.

Kanaanizadegan joined Portuguese club Beira Mar on loan in August 2013 but due to work permit issues he returned to Iran without playing a single match.

He made his debut for Iran national football team against Uzbekistan in a friendly match on 11 June 2015. Kanaanizadegan also played against Turkmenistan on 16 June 2015.