ISL 2025-26: NorthEast United FC complete squad for upcoming ISL season

Alaeddine Ajaraie sent out on loan as NorthEast United FC finalise squad ahead of the new season

NorthEast United FC have emerged as one of the most competitive sides in Indian football in recent times. Although they are yet to lift an ISL trophy, the Highlanders have often played the role of dark horses, especially in the Durand Cup, where their progress has consistently turned heads.

That reputation was further strengthened when they successfully defended their Durand Cup title with a commanding 6–1 victory over Diamond Harbour FC. While silverware has come their way in the Durand Cup, success in the Indian Super League has continued to elude them, leaving unfinished business on the domestic front.

Under head coach Juan Pedro Benali, the Guwahati-based side has developed a distinct identity. This NorthEast United team plays with clear intent, intensity, and a strong hunger to challenge established opponents. As the new ISL season approaches, the Highlanders will aim to build on their recent momentum and push for a historic breakthrough by winning the league for the first time.

NorthEast United FC will begin their ISL 2025–26 campaign against East Bengal FC on February 16 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

While discussing the new season and new football culture and tactics from the Highlanders, the fans of NorthEast will not be very happy as their star striker, Alaeddin Ajaraie, has been sent out on loan. He is the main man upfront for Pedro Benali. The Golden Boot Winner of last season departed to Indonesian top-tier league amidst the situatuonn was around at that time in Indian football.

Goalkeepers

After the departure of experienced Mirshsd Michu, Gurmeet Singh is the main man who leads the team from the goalpost. And from ISL to Durand Cup, Gurmeet has done an exceptional performance for the team.

Apart from Gurmeet Singh, 21-year-old Dipesh Chauhan will be a good name who can be the backup thought for Pedro Benali. With Dipesh, Arman Tamang will be a key backup option for the Highlanders. These two young keepers are the last line of defence for the Highlanders as they will fight for their first-ever ISL trophy in the upcoming season. With competition high and roles clearly defined, NorthEast United FC is fully prepared.

Defenders

For Northeast United FC defence could be a headache ahead of the new Indian Super League season. Several familiar faces form the highlanders backbone as Tondonba Singh remains a key figure with a lot of experience and versatility. Alongside him,  Dinesh Singh Soraisham, Robin Yadav, Buanthanglun Samte, and Asheer Akhtar will be the main men with the composer.

With the Indian backline system northeast United FC also has experienced veteran leader Michel Zabaco, spaniard who can lead the defence line which is leadership. Overall, the defensive setup reflects leadership, versatility, experience and stability.

Midfielders

The highlanders were handed a big blow after they also let go of their prolific midfielder Cheema Nunez. The midfield is the core of any team. Thoi Singh Huidrom and Macarton Nickson continue to form the engine room, as the known for their pressing and ball recovery to carry the play. For these two players, energy will be the main thing that controls the tempo of the match. They also have another Spanish with a fielder and the Rodriguez with them, who can be the dictator on the field.

Forwards

After the departure of their star striker, Alaeddin Ajaraie sent out on loan, he is the main man of the front for Pedro Benali. Without his firepower, North East United would have faced some problems scoring goals. Further up the pitch Jithin MS offers directness and peace. Alongside him, the young boy Parthib Gogoi, one of the clubs stand out young talent remains a key player for the team, with his intelligent movement and eye for goal expected to play a significant role throughout the campaign.

Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia will partner up with Parthib Gogoi and Jithin MS in the attack line. NorthEast also have the options for the striker position to replace Alaeddin is Thoi Singh and Lalbiakdika. Also, in the absence of Alaeddin Ajaraie, Spanish striker Jairo Samperio will be a target man.

With this type of team, a settled defence, a hardworking midfield, and static attacking options, NorthEast United FC will look for the ISL 2025-26 trophy for the first team.

Full Squad of NorthEast United FC for ISL 2025-26 season

Goalkeepers: Gurmeet Singh, Dipesh Chauhan, Arman Tamang

Defenders: Dinesh Singh Soraisham, Tondonba Singh Ngasepam, Míchel Zabaco, Asheer Akhtar, Robin Yadav, Buanthanglun Samte, Redeem Tlang, Mukul Panwar, Subham Poonia

Midfielders: Mayakkannan, Macarton Nickson, Andy Rodríguez, Bekey Oram, Mohammed Arshaf, Fredy Chawngthansanga, Lalbiakdika Vanlalvunga

Forwards: Jairo Samperio, Parthib Gogoi, Ankith Padmanabhan, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Thoi Singh Huidrom, Jithin MS, Danny Meitei Laishram

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