Former Rovers loanee Reda Khadra has joined French club Stade De Reims from Brighton on a permanent deal.

The German Under-21 international made 28 appearances at Ewood Park during the 20221/22 campaign, scoring five goals.

Khadra had spells at Sheffield United and Birmingham last term, scoring a couple of goals against Rovers for the latter.

He will now be playing in the French top flight after joining Reims on a long-term deal for an undisclosed fee.

Khadra spent three season at Brighton in total, with his only Premier League appearance coming off the bench against Manchester City in January 2021.

Technical director David Weir said: “This is great move for all parties, but most of all Reda as it gives him the opportunity of regular football.

“We would like to thank him for his time here with us and wish him well for the future.”

Reims finished 11th in Ligue 1 last season and are managed by Will Still, who previously worked in Preston North End’s Academy.

Khadra has revealed that he even considered quitting the sport following his release by Borussia Dortmund several years ago.

“Very few people know this but I almost quit football,” the 22-year-old explained. “In the middle of Covid in 2020, I had to look for a club after Dortmund but no club was taking players on trial. 

“I had to go back to my parents, it was a difficult time. At one point, I thought about quitting, finding a job and that's when everything settled down. 

“I was called for a trial in Brighton. I took my stuff and jumped on the first plane.”

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