Besian Idrizaj (born October 12, 1987 in Baden bei Wien, Austria) is an Austrian striker who last played for Fußballclub Wacker Innsbruck. He is of Albanian descent from Kosovo.

Liverpool

He signed for the Reds from LASK Linz in the summer of 2005 on a two year contract, following a trial spell. He was Austria's young player of the year in 2004–05.

At the time he declared "I have always been a Liverpool fan and it is a dream come true to play for them. If you get a chance to go to Liverpool on trial then you have to take it. You cannot ignore a trial with the reigning Champions League winners. I would even have swum across the channel just to take part."

Unfortunately 2005–06 was interrupted by injuries, however Idrizaj was expected to be a regular member of Gary Ablett and Hughie McAuley's reserve squad for the 2006–07 season. He made his debut for the first team in a pre-season friendly against Wrexham on 15 July 2006, playing for the first 45 minutes upfront as a striker, alongside fellow debutant Craig Bellamy.

After going on loan to Luton in 2007 he returned to Liverpool for the close season. On July 7, 2007, Idrizaj scored a hat trick in a friendly for the Reds against Wrexham A.F.C in a period of 26 minutes. All 3 goals were set up by Jermaine Pennant.

Luton Town

On March 16, 2007, Idrizaj went on loan to Championship team Luton Town, until the end of the 2006-2007 season. He made his English league debut with them the day after, but was substituted after 49 minutes. He went on to play six more times for the club, scoring one goal against Southend United FC.

Crystal Palace

On August 30, 2007 he signed for Crystal Palace on a 12 month loan deal.

Idrizaj made his debut for Crystal Palace against Charlton on 1 September, 2007 in the South London derby as a 72nd minute replacement for Clinton Morrison. However, Idrizaj failed to establish himself at Crystal Palace and in January 2008 Manager Neil Warnock demanded that Liverpool take Idrizaj back during the January transfer window as Idrizaj would see no further action during his remaining time on loan with Crystal Palace. On 31st January 2008, Idrizaj of his own accord agreed to a loan move to Oldham Athletic for the remainder of the 2007-2008 season after cancelling the remainder of the loan deal with Crystal Palace. However, after interference from his agent Idrizaj backtracked on the deal and decided not to join The Latics.

Return to Austria

On January 31, 2008 he signed for Austrian Football Club Fußballclub Wacker Innsbruck on loan, from Liverpool, until the end of the 2007-08 football season. His contract has been terminated at Liverpool and he is now unattached.

Statistics

References

External links

• Besian Idrizaj player profile at cpfc.co.uk
• Profile at liverpoolfc.tv