ISL side NorthEast United sign Andy Rodríguez & Jairo Samperio

Defending champions of the Durand Cup are set to play a full-strength team to defend their title.

NorthEast United FC have become the first Indian Super League (ISL) side to complete their minimum foreign quota for the 2025–26 campaign. The defending champions of the Durand Cup are set to field a strong squad this month as they aim to retain their crown.

Earlier today (11 July 2025), Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) officially informed ISL clubs of its decision to place the 2025–26 ISL season on hold.

“In the absence of a confirmed contractual framework beyond December, we find ourselves unable to effectively plan, organise, or commercialise the 2025–26 ISL season,” FSDL stated in an email to the clubs.

Despite this uncertainty, NorthEast United FC became the first club to announce their pre-season plans and show clear intent to defend their Durand Cup title by bolstering their squad with key foreign signings.

“It’s considerate of FSDL to keep the clubs informed. What they’ve communicated isn’t entirely new to us. There’s a difference between the league being put on hold and the season being cancelled.

At NorthEast United FC, we are fully focused on preparing to defend our Durand Cup title and remain hopeful that there will be clarity soon,” Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC, told Khel Now on FSDL decision.

Alongside retaining Míchel Zabaco and Alaaeddine Ajaraie for the 2025–26 season, the club had already announced the arrival of Chema Núñez.

Khel Now can confirm that the Highlanders have completed the signings of Spanish duo Andy Rodríguez and Jairo Samperio, thus filling their minmum foreign player quota for the upcoming season.

Andy Rodríguez to replace Mohammed Ali Bemammer in midfield

Former Real Madrid youth player Andy Rodríguez brings vast experience from Spanish football and replaces outgoing midfielder Mohammed Ali Bemammer. The 35-year-old midfielder, who played 219 matches in LaLiga 2 with 21 goals and 21 assists, is expected to offer control, stability, and goal-scoring threat from midfield.

During the 2024–25 season, Rodríguez made 36 appearances across FC Cartagena and Burgos CF in LaLiga 2, scoring four goals and registering one assist.

His technical quality and leadership will offer coach Juan Pedro Benali a versatile option in the middle of the park. Rodríguez will also help to provide a goal-scoring threat from midfield.

Jairo Samperio adds firepower to Highlanders’ frontline

Spanish winger Jairo Samperio, a former U-21 international, has enjoyed an impressive career across Europe’s top leagues. The 31-year-old has featured in LaLiga, Bundesliga, and the UEFA Europa League, playing for clubs like Racing Santander, Sevilla, Mainz 05, Hamburger SV, and Málaga.

Across his career, Samperio has made 305 appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing 34 assists. His standout stint came at Mainz 05 between 2014 and 2017, where he played three consecutive Bundesliga seasons and participated and won the Europa League with Sevilla.

Jairo Samperio Career Stats (by competition):

• LaLiga 2: 90 games, 11 goals, 6 assists
• Bundesliga: 72 games, 11 goals, 14 assists
• La Liga: 62 games, 6 goals, 6 assists
• Europa League: 13 games, 1 goal, 4 assists

Samperio is expected to support Alaaeddine Ajaraie in attack and provide much-needed creativity and unpredictability in the final third. His arrival gives NorthEast United additional firepower — especially in moments where Ajaraie is heavily marked.

With these additions, NorthEast United FC are expected to participate in the Durand Cup 2025 with a full-strength squad as they look to defend their title.

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