Charlton Athletic have signed experienced winger Kazenga LuaLua on a short-term deal.
LuaLua, who joins the Addicks on a contract until the end of April 2024, reunites with Nathan Jones for the third time having previously worked under the Welshman at Brighton & Hove Albion and Luton Town.
Commenting on the arrival of LuaLua, who lifted the League One title at both Brighton and Luton, Manager Nathan Jones said: “Kazenga’s a great lad, a fantastic player and he's had a real good career. I've always enjoyed working with him and he makes us as a group, as a club and hopefully as an 11 better.
"He's someone that we haven’t got here - in wide areas Tyreece Campbell is probably the only natural one. We wanted to have that option. I know Kazenga very well and he’s just left Greece so it was an ideal opportunity."
“I’ve enjoyed my time working under Nathan a lot,” explained LuaLua, who will wear the number 49 shirt. “I know the gaffer from when I was at Brighton and also at Luton and I’ve had a good time with him. It’s a pleasure for me to be working with him again because I’ve always learned a lot when I’ve worked with him. I’m very, very happy to work with him again.
“I’m really excited to get started. I’ve been training with the team for the last few weeks and I’m buzzing to wear the shirt.”
Born in Kinshasa, Congo, LuaLua started his career with Newcastle United where he progressed through the youth ranks to make his Premier League debut in January 2008.
Following his first loan with Doncaster Rovers, the wideman enjoyed three loan spells with Brighton - which included promotion to the Championship - who he joined permanently in November 2011.
LuaLua would go on to amass 183 appearances for the Seagulls across all competitions, scoring 22 goals. While on the south coast, he also took in two separate loans at Queens Park Rangers.
He joined Sunderland for the second half of the 2017/18 campaign, before linking up with Luton in September 2018.
The winger helped the Hatters lift the League One title in his debut campaign with the club and then played a key role in preserving the club’s Championship status.
He spent the 2021/22 season in the Turkish top-flight with Gençlerbirliği, before joining Greek side Levadiakos.
