ALI REGHBA has joined Slovenia’s most successful club, NK Maribor.
The 25-year-old Dubliner moves to Maribor – who lie second in the table – on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The ex-Ireland youth international had caught the eye for Rabotnicki in Macedonia, scoring seven times and providing five assists in 11 games before the mid-season break.
Slovenia will be the fourth country in which the forward has plied his trade.
After impressing for Bohemians, he was snapped up by Leicester City in July 2019 where he lined out for their Under-21 side.
Three years ago, he joined CR Belouizdad in Algeria, his father’s home country, before linking up with Rabotnicki a year ago.
Maribor have won a record 14 titles and Reghba said: “Moving to Maribor is an exciting chapter in my life, I’m very happy to be here.
“When I heard about Maribor’s interest, I had no doubts. I know that I’m coming to a club with a rich history, but also a club that competes for big things and fights for trophies.
“It’s an important step in my career and I’m excited about the new challenge.”
Reghba had been expected to join Serbian side TSC Backa Topola but opted for Maribor after watching them in action against Domžale on Saturday.
He added: “This has only reinforced the realisation that I will be part of a team that plays attacking football, with possession and dominance on the field.
“As a direct player who likes to create chances, I think I could fit in successfully. I try to find situations where I can be a threat to the opponents’ goal and help my team in that way.
“I like to give the fans what they want – goals and assists. I believe that I can become an important part of the team and contribute my share.
“During my career, I have learned about different leagues, from Irish, English, Algerian and Macedonian. In doing so, I have also learned how to adapt quickly to new environments.
“I hope that I will be able to do this in the shortest possible time in Maribor and that we will be extremely successful together.”
