Melbourne Victory haved signed midfielder Rahmat Akbari on a one-year deal.
18-year-old Akbari, who has signed his first professional contract, joins Victory from Brisbane Roar where he made six senior appearances last season.
Akbari is a playmaking attacking midfielder who likes to get on the ball and run at defences.
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Welcome to #MVFC, Rahmat! Details: https://t.co/AJiZLFDIWx #OurVictory pic.twitter.com/Tuq6Goh2tl
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) October 24, 2018
“It’s a proud moment for me, joining a Championship-winning side,” Akbari said.
“I want to learn from the experienced players and the coaching staff – for a young lad like me they can teach me a lot.”
Head Coach Kevin Muscat was excited by the signing but stressed that, like all young players, Akbari would be given time to develop.
“Rahmat is a great talent and we’re pleased to have him on board,” said Muscat.
“We’re always keen to offer opportunities to young players and we’re committed to giving him the training and support required to settle and develop in our system.”
The 18-year-old was born in Afghanistan before spending the first five years of his life in Pakistan, at which point he and his family emigrated to Australia and settled in Queensland.