A look at NorthEast United's foreign contingent for ISL 2026-27

With five foreigners, the Highlanders look to gear up for the new season.

The Indian Super League (ISL) is all set to make a remarkable comeback on October 10th and will witness 13 teams go up against each other in search of the most prized asset in Indian Football.

The league will welcome back the playoffs after playing out a simple league season in the 2025-26 campaign. A lot has changed this time around, but the goal for each team remains the same, to win the coveted trophy.

Two-time Durand Cup champions NorthEast United FC will hope to turn their fortunes around after a disastrous campaign in the ISL 2025-26 season.

The Highlanders have made a complete overhaul to their overseas contingent and have brought in four new faces, while their star man Alaeddine Ajaraie returns to the club after a loan spell in Indonesia. John Abraham’s side has chosen to go ahead with a Spanish-dominated overseas unit along with a former Serbian U-21 international.

Let us take a quick look at what the new Highlanders bring to the table for Juan Pedro Benali.

Presenting the NorthEast United FC 2026/27 Kit 🔴⚪️⚫️#StrongerAsOne #8States1United pic.twitter.com/BsboEprVdd

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) September 5, 2026

NorthEast United FC’s Foreign Players 2026-27

Alaeddine Ajaraie

The Moroccan superstar needs no introduction at all. He is by far the best signing that NorthEast United have ever had both in terms of impact and intent. Ajaraie arrived in India in 2024 and has taken the league by storm ever since. He has won two Durand Cup Golden Boots, along with one ISL Golden Boot and Golden Ball. 

He was awarded the FPAI Foreign Player of the Year award in 2025 and has added three ISL Player of the Month awards to his tally. The fact that he has 30 goal contributions to his name in just 25 ISL appearances speaks volumes about what the Moroccan striker brings to the table. He is a goal machine and has 48 goals and 15 assists for the Highlanders across all competitions, along with two Durand Cup titles. 

• Age: 33
• Country of Birth: Morocco
• Position: CF/RW/LW
• Preferred Foot: Right
• Played for: Muaither, AS FAR, Persija Jakarta

Antonio Moyano 

Antonio Moyano arrives at NorthEast United after a successful spell with Diamond Harbour. The Spaniard already has the experience of playing in Indian conditions, which will act as an added advantage for the Highlanders.

Moyano adds a lot of depth and versatility to Juan Pedro Benali’s system and is a superb attacking option to play with. His ball progression rate, coupled with his ability to execute pinpoint passes, will come in very handy for the Northeastern side. Moyano will play an important role to play for NorthEast United given the style of play he brings to the team.

He racked up five goals during his time at Diamond Harbour and will be keen to add more goal contributions to his tally.

• Age: 26
• Country of Birth: Spain
• Position: CAM/CM
• Preferred Foot: Right
• Played for: Diamond Harbour, Fuenlabrada, Sabadell

Also Read: A look at Sporting Club Delhi’s foreign contingent for ISL 2026-27

Ethyan González 

Ethyan Gonzalez was NorthEast United’s first foreign import of the transfer window. Gonzalez who is just 24 has his entire prime ahead of him. He was last in action for Qatari side Muaither SC where he found the back of the net eight times in 20 outings.

The young striker has already shown great signs of what he is all about after scoring two goals in the Durand Cup. Gonzalez can form a strike partnership with Alaeddine Ajaraie at the top or even work as a super sub, coming off the bench to score a few goals.

Ethyan brings with him the required pedigree that is needed to become a top striker having played for the likes of Atlético Madrid B where he netted five goals in 34 outings. Standing at 6’1, Gonzalez possesses a strong physical presence inside the box and can outsmart the opposition defender in key moments.

• Age: 24
• Country of Birth: Spain
• Position: CF
• Preferred Foot: Right
• Played for: Muaither, Torreense, Atlético Madrid B

Nikola Ninković

Nikola Ninković is the only non-Spanish new signing for the Highlanders ahead of the 2026-27 season. Ninkovic brings with him a lot of experience having played across various parts of the world. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder but can also slot in left wing as and when required.

His versatility combined with his experience and creativity make him an undisputed asset for the Highlanders. He has a bag full of experience of playing at the highest level which will come in very handy for his side.

Nikola will be handed the responsibility to play behind Ajaraie and open up backlines to create chances for him. If used properly, he could become an unstoppable force in the middle of the park.

• Age: 31
• Country of Birth: Serbia
• Position: CAM/LW
• Preferred Foot: Right
• Played for: Sumgayit, Empoli, Torpedo Kutaisi, Genoa, Partizan 

Eneko Satrústegui

The 35-year-old defender is the oldest player in NorthEast United’s foreign unit. Eneko has played football at the top level for the majority of his career and has represented the likes of LaLiga sides Osasuna and Racing Santander.

He replaces the outgoing skipper Michel Zabaco in the backline and will be operating in a similar role to him. He is a left-footed defender who provides Benali with tactical versatility, which will allow the head coach to use the defender as per the need of the situation.

Satrústegui is a mastermind when it comes to reading tough situations in a game and likes to initiate buildup from the back. His experience is second to none and will come in very handy for the young defenders already part of NorthEast United.

• Age: 35
• Country of Birth: Spain
• Position: CB/LB
• Preferred Foot: Left
• Played for: Osasuna, Racing Santander, Cultural Leonesa, Castellón

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