Alexandre Oukidja has completed a move to Serbian top-flight club FK IMT Belgrade as the veteran goalkeeper targets a resurgence in form ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Now 36, the Algerian international is embarking on a new chapter after parting ways with FC Metz, where he had spent seven seasons and enjoyed both promotion to Ligue 1 and a Ligue 2 title in 2019.
A lack of playing time last season—just 16 appearances across all competitions—prompted Oukidja to pursue a fresh challenge, with Serbia providing the unexpected backdrop to his next professional step.
“Free of any contract, Oukidja has signed a one-year deal with the Traktoristi that runs until June 2026,” confirmed the club.
FK IMT Belgrade, who finished third in the relegation play-offs last season, are counting on Oukidja’s leadership and experience to bring stability between the posts as they aim to secure their status in the Jelen SuperLiga.
The move marks the seventh club of Oukidja’s professional career, having previously played in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
His decision to join the Serbian outfit underlines his determination to secure regular minutes in goal, which he sees as crucial to keeping his international ambitions alive.
Oukidja was part of the Algeria squad that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2019.
While he has not featured prominently in recent national team selections, the goalkeeper remains hopeful that a consistent run of performances in Serbia can reignite his prospects of a return under national team coach Vladimir Petkovic.
A potential recall would offer Oukidja the chance to compete at one final major international tournament with the Fennecs, a fitting end to an international career that has spanned nearly a decade.
This new adventure in the Balkans may come as a surprise, but for Oukidja, it is a calculated risk—one taken with purpose, belief, and the enduring desire to compete at the highest level.
