3 things to know about Amin Chiakha, Algeria's new recruit
Days after getting the green light from FIFA, Amin Chiakha has been called up by Vladimir Pektovic, the Fennecs coach.
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In recent years, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has launched a major drive to persuade dual nationals to join the national team. After Houssem Aouar, Amine Gouiri... and, more recently, Ibrahim Maza, Amin Chiakha will be the new face in the squad for the November international window. Who is the FC Copenhagen gem?
Born and developed in Denmark
Amin Chiakha was born on 12 March 2006 in Copenhagen to an Algerian father and a Danish mother. The 18-year-old started out at Sundby BK before joining the FC Copenhagen Academy. There, he came through every age group before starting to shine with the first team in 2024.
Before opting for the Fennecs, Amin Chiakha played for Denmark's youth sides (U17, U18, U19).
Read also: AFCON 2025 (Q): Amin Chiakha, new name in Algeria's squad
Joint top scorer in the Youth League last season
Amin Chiakha remains a very promising player. Algeria may have found their main man up front for the years ahead. At just 18, the FC Copenhagen striker is showing plenty of good things going forward. Proof of that: last season, he finished joint top scorer in the UEFA Youth League with 7 goals in 8 appearances.
Amin Chiakha has plenty of room for improvement. This season, the 18-year-old has played 5 matches without making a decisive contribution.
"I'm calling up as many as 27 players to see as many as possible. Chiakha could have a great future for Algerian football. It's true that he's not yet at 100%, a player ready for the national team, but we'll be able to test him. It's a choice for the next 10 years", said head coach Vladimir Petkovic at a press conference on Thursday morning.
A gem on the radar of big clubs
Without doubt, Amin Chiakha is a great player in the making. That is why the Fennecs moved quickly to secure him before going head to head with Denmark. The same goes for clubs, who are following his fine performances for FC Copenhagen closely.
In the last summer transfer window, Amin Chiakha was a target for both Manchester clubs. According to information from Tipsbladet, Manchester United and Manchester City had tried to sign the Algerian gem.