CR Belouizdad secure services of Albanian striker Xhixha

CR Belouizdad has completed the signing of Albanian international Redon Xhixha. The Algerian side opted to sign a European striker for their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Xhixha, 26, has been on the books of Azerbaijani giants Qarabag since 2023. He has represented Albania at both youth and senior levels. Belouizdad used Algerian international Aimen Mahious as a center forward last season but the coming year might belong to Xhixha.

Although Xhixha featured for Qarabag, he had limited game time. His transfer to the Algerian capital club was on a free deal. Last season, he scored five goals in all competitions.

Xhixha will not be the first European to play in Algeria. JS Kabylie signed Russian striker Ivan Ignatjev during the January transfer window.

CR Belouizdad ended the season third with 55 points, one point adrift of a CAF Champions League spot, and lost the Algerian Cup final to USM Alger.