Indian Football & ISL Transfer News
Alaaeddine Ajaraie returns to ISL, signs new NorthEast United contract
Alaaeddine Ajaraie spend last season on loan in Indonesia
As revealed earlier this year by Khel Now, NorthEast United FC have officially announced a new contract for their superstar Alaaeddine Ajaraie until the end of the 2027-28 season, signing a two-year extension. The Highlanders have confirmed this development on their social media platform.
The Moroccan forward joined the ISL outfit NorthEast United FC in 2024 and witnessed an outstanding season for both him and the team. Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored 29 goals and provided 10 assists while playing 32 games for the Highlanders.
And now again, as the new season gets closer, the Highlanders will have their main man back for the upcoming season in what is expected to be a full ISL season.
NorthEast United FC due to the uncertainty around Indian football last season, had to let go of him but were clever enough to send him only on a loan so that once things get clear, they get back the services of Alaaeddine Ajaraie.
NorthEast United FC secure Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s future
Alaaeddine Ajaraie has been one of the few foreigners to perform at a very high level in the Indian football ecosystem over the last couple of seasons. He helped Northeast United FC to win the Durand Cup two years in a row and sealed their domination in the tournament.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie enjoyed a sensational debut season in Indian football, winning both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot in the ISL 2024–25. He followed it up by claiming the same double at the 2025 Durand Cup after another string of outstanding performances for NorthEast United FC.
He helped NorthEast United FC a lot with his clinical ability and has established himself as one of Indian football’s most dangerous attackers with his consistent performances.
The contract extension comes as a major boost for NorthEast United as they are gearing up for the Durand Cup 2026. Not only the Durand Cup, but the Highlanders will also look to turn their tables in the ISL after a disappointing ISL 2025-26 season.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie in the last season played for the Indonesian club, Persija Jakarta, on loan from NorthEast United FC. For him, the Moroccan managed to get his name on the scoresheet only three times in his 15 games.
However, now all eyes will be on him as the record maker returns back to the Highlands and Indian football.
“Hi, all Highlanders. I am coming back. See you soon.” Alaaeddine stated via social media about his return.
How can he revive NorthEast United FC?
Alaaeddine Ajaraie played a very important role for Northeast United FC by scoring goals for the team in the previous Indian Super League season. The team lacked goalscoring completely last season in his absence, which left them finishing in the bottom half of the league table.
Along with this it was very visible that NorthEast United were not good while pressing last season as earlier it was him who used to be the focal point of pressing and charge the opponents up top and created a good pressing system.
What can he offer?
- He is an excellent goal poacher in front of the goal.
- Besides scoring, he can also link up the play with his other teammates and create some chances for the team.
- He has good aerial ability and physicality as a proper number 9 and is excellent while pressing high up.
How long has Alaaeddine Ajaraie extended his contract with NorthEast United FC?
Ajaraie has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at NorthEast United FC until the end of the 2027-28 season.
What position does Alaaeddine Ajaraie play?
He primarily plays as a forward, but he is also capable of operating as a second striker or attacking midfielder.
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Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.