Alaaeddine to stay at NEUFC for another season
Kolkata: Twenty nine goals in 32 appearances.That's the jaw-dropping stats that
Alaaeddine Ajaraie
produced in his first-ever season with
NorthEast United FC
. And to the delight of the Highlanders supporters, the
ISL Golden Boot
winner has decided to stay on with NEUFC for the 2025-26 season."NorthEast United FC are delighted to announce that Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the 2024-25
Indian Super League
(ISL) Golden Boot and the Golden Ball winner, will stay with the club for the 2025-26 season," NEUFC announced in a statement on Monday.The Moroccan striker had joined the ISL club at the start of the 2024-25 campaign on a contract that included an option for a second year, "contingent upon meeting specific performance criteria"."Following
a stellar debut season in Indian football, the Moroccan forward fulfilled those requirements, automatically activating the contract extension.
Ajaraie was also keen to continue his journey with the club and had expressed his desire to stay on and build on the momentum throughout the season," the club added in the statement.The 32-year-old scored on his debut for NEUFC in a Durand Cup match against BSF and continued his form throughout the tournament — including a crucial goal, an assist and a strike in the penalty shoot-out against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final.He played a pivotal role in winning NEUFC their first silverware with the Durand Cup and delivered a record-breaking 23 goals and seven assists in 25 matches that earned him the ISL Golden Ball and Golden Boot.The Moroccan capped off the season with his first hat-trick for NEUFC during a dominant 6-0 win over Mohammedan SC in Kalinga Super Cup."I am happy here. NorthEast feels like home now. My teammates and the staff played a crucial role in my successful first season and I am confident we can achieve even more together next season. I am eager to continue this journey and win significant titles with this fantastic club," Ajaraie said.Despite a lot of interest from various ISL clubs, Ajaraie's decision to continue his journey with NEUFC has also delighted head coach Juan Pedro Benali."We are absolutely thrilled that Alaaeddine will continue with us. His impact, both on the field with his fantastic performances and off it with his exemplary character and support for his teammates, has been immense. He's a true role model for our young players and we eagerly anticipate another successful season together," Benali added.
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