NorthEast United FC extend Alaeddine Ajaraie's contract before loan exit to Persija Jakarta

Alaeddine Ajaraie will return to NorthEast United FC after his stint.

The latest name joining the list of foreigners leaving the Indian Super League (ISL) is Alaeddine Ajaraie, as he joins the Indonesian giants Persija Jakarta on a loan move from NorthEast United FC till the end of the season.

Ajaraie’s sudden departure from the NorthEast United FC may have initially raised eyebrows among the club’s supporters, especially given the Moroccan forward’s unmatchable influence in recent seasons.

A proven match-winner and one of the most feared attackers in the Indian Super League, Ajaraie’s absence inevitably creates concern not only on the pitch but also off the pitch among the Highlanders. However, a closer look at the circumstances surrounding his move reveals a far more reassuring and calculated picture for the Highlanders.

NorthEast United have extended Alaeddine Ajaraie’s contract by two more years before allowing the star striker to join Persija Jakarta on loan, as his original deal was set to expire at the end of this season. @KhelNow #IndianFootball

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) January 16, 2026

NorthEast United FC plan’s ahead for Alaeddine Ajaraie

With his original deal set to expire at the end of the current season, the club faced the real risk of losing their star striker for nothing amid ongoing uncertainty around the ISL calendar and future planning. The management moved decisively to secure Ajaraie’s long-term future before allowing him to explore a short-term opportunity abroad.

Thus, NorthEast United FC have extended Ajaraie’s contract by two additional years before approving his loan move to Persija Jakarta, a crucial detail that changes the narrative entirely.

Alaeddine Ajaraie’s absence will impact NEUFC’s title hopes

From a sporting point of view, the impact is undeniable, and the club will surely suffer offensively, as Ajaraie has been key to NorthEast United FC’s attacking identity, contributing 39 goals and 15 assists in 41 appearances, numbers that place him among the most productive forwards in recent ISL history.

NEUFC, along with goalscoring, will also miss the strong leadership and winning mentality that Alaeddine brought along with him. The squad now becomes more and more inexperienced and vulnerable with the departures of players like Chema Nunez and Alaeddine Ajaraie, leaving the task of goalscoring completely on the young Indian contingent.

In the last season, it was very evident how the Highlanders struggled offensively without Ajaraie and dropped some very important points. His absence will force the coaching staff to rethink their attacking structure, with greater responsibility falling on supporting Indian forwards and midfield runners to share the goal-scoring burden.

Also Read: List of foreigners who left ISL due to uncertainty in Indian Football

A calculated decision by NorthEast United FC

However, the timing and nature of the move soften the blow. This is not a permanent exit but a temporary loan, allowing Ajaraie to stay match-sharp and competitive while gaining experience in a different footballing environment.

Financially and strategically, the decision reflects smart management. Extending Ajaraie’s contract before the loan safeguards his market value and keeps future options open, whether that means bringing him back as the focal point next season or capitalising on interest from abroad if the uncertainty still stays around ISL and Indian football.

This is a smart move by the entire management of NorthEast United FC and CEO Mandar Tamhane that will surely help the club stay sustainable in these hard times by also making sure that they do not lose their superstar.

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