TEHRANTIMES - Esteghlal has announced the signing of Brazilian defender Robson Januario de Paula on a season loan deal from Esporte Clube Bahia on Sunday.

The 22-year old defender caught the eye of Alireza Mansourian at Armenia training camp which led to signing a contract.

“From the first day the head coach was satisfied with my performance at the trainings but I preferred to take part in Armenia camp and then sign the contract,” Robson said.

“Esteghlal has great defenders playing at a high level but I will try my best to earn a place in the starting line-up. According what I’ve heard about Iran Professional League, Esteghlal is the favorite to win the title next season,” he added.

Esteghlal has already signed Arash Afshin, Bakhtiar Rahmani, Ali Ghorbani, Vouria Ghafouri, Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Kaveh Rezaei and Farshid Bagheri in the transfer window.