Egli Kaja
Egli Kaja (born 26 July 1997) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a winger. Kaja also represents Albania and received his first international call-up in May 2017. Club careerKaja's career began in 2003 with youth side MHD, where he was offered the opportunity to join Middlesbrough.[3] Having finished as top scorer for three consecutive seasons, Kaja joined Kingstonian in 2006 upon moving to London.[4] Once again finishing as top scorer in the youth set-up, he turned down a trial with Chelsea in order to join AFC Wimbledon.[3] Enjoying a brief stint with AC Milan on trial, he later featured for the Dons on a scholarship, and turned down a second chance to compete for a contract in Milan the following season.[3] Kaja signed a professional contract with AFC Wimbledon in April 2015, and made his first team debut on Saturday 26 September.[5] Coming off the bench in a 2–0 defeat to Luton Town,[6] he also made a substitute appearance three days later in a 1–1 draw with Northampton Town.[7] He scored his first goal for Wimbledon in an EFL Trophy tie against Barnet on 29 August 2017.[8] On 16 December 2016 Kaja was sent on loan to Lewes in the 2016–17 Isthmian League for one month.[9] He made his debut on 31 December 2016 against Three Bridges in a 4–2 win.[10] He scored his first and only goal for Lewes on 10 January 2017 against Herne Bay in a 2–4 away win.[11] In July 2018, Kaja joined newly promoted Scottish Premiership side Livingston on a season-long loan but was recalled by new Wimbledon manager Wally Downes in December.[12] On 2 September 2019, Kaja joined Northampton on a free transfer until January 2020. On 26 November 2021, Kaja returned to AFC Wimbledon on a short-term deal.[13] On 5 August 2022, following his release from AFC Wimbledon, Kaja joined Hampton & Richmond Borough after impressing during pre-season.[14] Just a few days after joining Hampton & Richmond Borough, Kaja left to join Altrincham.[15] He was released at the end of the 2022–23 season.[16] International careerKaja received his first international call up at the Albania national under-21 football team by coach Alban Bushi for a gathering between 14 and 17 May 2017 with most of the players selected from Albanian championships.[17] Style of playKaja is able to "play on either wing, or be deployed as a second striker".[12] Upon signing for Livingston on loan, player-manager Kenny Miller described him as "quick, powerful and direct" adding that he "will bring a different dimension to our offensive options".[12] Career statisticsClub
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