NorthEast set to sign defender Alex Saji on a loan deal

The Highlanders are signing the 22-year-old from Hyderabad FC.

NorthEast United is set to bring in promising defender Alex Saji on a loan deal from Hyderabad FC, Khel Now can confirm. The player will ply his trade for the northeastern team till the end of this season, a source close to the development informed Khel Now.

Newly appointed Head Coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese is fully fledged to bring in his former student to change the fortune of NorthEast United, as they are currently the bottom peddler in the league.

About the Player  

Hailing from Wayanad in Kerala, Alex Saji is a strong and technically gifted defender, who can play multiple roles across the backline.  Alex Saji started his career with the Red Star academy, where he got nurtured as a professional footballer. He featured for Kerala Blasters U-18 and B teams in the 2017-18 season.

Alex Saji made his I-League debut while playing for Gokulam Kerala FC in 2019. He was a crucial part of the Gokulam Kerala side that won back-to-back I-League titles. Alex also started every game for the Malabarians under Coach Alberto Annesse in the AFC Cup Group Stage campaign and was called up for the U23 National Team by Igor Stimac later that year.

Alex, who is a central defender, can also be effective as a right-back as well. The 22-year-old has 26 I-League appearances to his name till now. After two successful years with Gokulam in I-League, Alex Saji signed for Hyderabad FC on a long-term deal. Alex has made 2 appearances for the Nizams till now. 

NorthEast United in ISL 2022-23

NorthEast United is one of the most struggling teams in ISL with just 3 points from 12 matches. They are going through a rough phase and the worst ever in their history. The thrash performance in the league also forced the management to sack their former Head coach Marco Balbul from his position.

Things look to brighten up lightly after the appointment of Coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese to the helm. Recently they achieved their first-ever win this season against ATK Mohun Bagan FC. The squad also clearly lacks depth in some areas and the arrival of Alex Saji can help bolster the backline of NorthEast United.