Full name Egli Kaja 2003–2006 MHD F.C. Place of birth Albania Name Egli Kaja | Playing position Role Footballer Number 26 Height 1.77 m | |
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Date of birth (1997-07-26) 26 July 1997 (age 18) Current team AFC Wimbledon (#26 / Forward) | ||
Egli Kaja - AFC Wimbledon
Egli Kaja (born 26 July 1997) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a secondary striker for English club AFC Wimbledon and the Albania national under-21 football team. Kaja received his first international call up by Albania U21 on 12 May 2017.
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Early career
Kaja's career began in 2003 with youth side MHD, where he was offered the opportunity to join Middlesbrough. Having finished as top scorer for three consecutive seasons, Kaja joined Kingstonian in 2006 upon moving to London. Once again finishing as top scorer in the youth set-up, he turned down a trial with Chelsea in order to join AFC Wimbledon. 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.
AFC Wimbledon
Kaja signed a professional contract with AFC Wimbledon in April 2015, and made his first team debut on Saturday 26 September. Coming off the bench in a 2–0 defeat to Luton Town, he also made a substitute appearance three days later in a 1–1 draw with Northampton Town. He scored his first goal for Wimbledon in an EFL Trophy tie against Barnet on 29 August 2017.
Loan to Lewes
On 16 December 2016 Kaja was sent on loan to Lewes in the 2016–17 Isthmian League for one month. He made his debut on 31 December 2016 against Three Bridges in a 4–2 win. He scored his first and only goal for Lewes on 10 January 2017 against Herne Bay in a 2–4 away win.
International career
Kaja received his first international call up at the Albania national under-21 football team by coach Alban Bushi for a gathering between 14–17 May 2017 with most of the players selected from Albanian championships.