Brighton and Hove Albion have signed Argentine full back Ezequiel Schelotto from Sporting Lisbon.
The 28-year-old right-back completed the paperwork for his three-year deal at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre in Lancing earlier this evening (Tuesday 31 August).
Although born in Buenos Aires, Schelotto holds Italian citizenship and will not require a work permit to play in the Premier League.
Albion manager Chris Hughton said: “We are delighted that Ezequiel is joining us. He has made nearly 190 appearances in the top flight in Italy and Portugal and has played in the Champions League and is the type of experienced player we want to add to the squad.
“He can also play as a more attacking wing-back and so gives us some good options in defence.”
Schelotto began his career at Italian side Cesena before joining Serie A side Atalanta – although he returned on loan to the Serie B outfit and helped them gain promotion with six goals in 40 appearances in their 2009-10 campaign.
The full-back began the following season with Cesena but ended it with Calcio Cantania, also playing in Serie A, before returning to Atalanta for the 2011-12 season.
Schelotto then signed for Inter Milan in a deal worth €6 million in January 2013. He made 13 appearances for Inter and found the net once, scoring the equaliser in the Milan derby.
Loan spells at Sassuolo, Parma and Chievo Verona followed before Schelotto joined Sporting in November 2015. He has made 37 league appearances for the Portuguese side, helping them to second and third-placed finishes.
Albion are also likely to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul on a season-long loan.
However, the Seagulls have yet to sign that elusive striker.
Albion have been linked with players such as Fiorentina’s Khouma Babacar, Deportivo’s Florin Andone and even Southampton’s Shane Long, throughout the day, with Babacar looking the most likely.
