Samir Ujkani

Samir Ujkani was born on 5 July 1988 in Vučitrn, Kosovo. He currently plays as a goalkeeper for Italian side Palermo.

Samir began his football grooming at KSV Ingelmunster youth department in 2001. After a 6-year spell at Ingelmunster’s training ground, he caught an eye of Anderlecht scouts and was invited on the try-out in Belgium. After a high-key exhibition match, Ujkani joined Anderlecht youth side for the 2006/07 season.

In 2007, he sparked the interest of US Città di Palermo which saw him as their second-choice goalkeeper. Lacking enough craft and experience, Samir Ujkani viewed this offer as a golden chance to develop his skills in a superb Serie A. A Kosovan footballer earned an extensive Seria A experience though he appeared on the pitch only once for two seasons with the Rosaneros.

In 2009, Ujkani moved to Novara Calcio where he got a toehold in the first team. During his first season with Novara, he became undisputed first-choice for the club. Overall, he played 86 games without conceding a goal in the 2009-2012 seasons at the club.

In 2013 he was sent on loan to Chievo Verona.

Samir Ujkani amasses 6 caps for Albania U-21 team for 2007-2009 seasons. Since 2008 he has been capped for the Albania national team.