Former Sunderland attacker Kazenga LuaLua is currently training with League One side Charlton Athletic, having been a free agent since the start of February after his contract expired with Greek side Levadiakos.
LuaLua has spent the vast majority of his career in England, coming through the academy system at Newcastle United before going on to play for the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Brighton and Hove Albion, Queens Park Rangers, Sunderland and Luton Town.
It was with the Hatters that the winger worked under Nathan Jones. The DR Congo international played 45 times for Luton under Jones, which is the third-highest number of appearances he made under any other manager apart from Chris Hughton and Gus Poyet. Furthermore, he bagged five goals and recorded two assists with the Welshman at the helm.
Having been training with Charlton at Sparrows Lane, the Addicks are expected to confirm the signing of LuaLua as a free agent, according to the South London Press. At the weekend, Jones hinted that another arrival could be following Connor Wickham to the club [quotes via the SLP]:
“We will. We might have an announcement, we’re just waiting for clearance,” he said.
“We’ve got an exciting one coming up. It’s someone I know very, very well and we should have more news for you next week.”
Wickham, another ex-Sunderland player, came off the bench on Saturday to make his debut for Charlton, replacing Karoy Anderson with the game locked at 2-2. Three minutes later, the Addicks bagged the winner through League One’s top scorer Alfie May after a horrendous mistake from former player Samuel Lavelle.
Well well well pic.twitter.com/bWQpXZBRMd
— Ryan Stubbs (@ryanstubbs48) March 9, 2024
Writer’s View
LuaLua has an abundance of experience in the EFL and has even previously played in League One for Brighton on loan back in the 2009/10 season, although he was also involved in getting Sunderland relegated to the third tier in 2018 after a very short stint at the Stadium of Light.
This could be a solid addition for Charlton Athletic. However, it’s unclear how much playing abroad for the past three years has affected his quality and fitness, but Jones will know the player better than anyone given he has coached him before and has now watched him train.
Be the first to comment