ISL loses its big star as Ajaraie moves to Indonesia

Panaji: The Indian Super League (ISL) has lost its big star with Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s move to Persija Jakarta in Indonesia.The NorthEast United player was in fine form last season, winning the Golden Boot after scoring a record 23 goals and seven assists in 25 appearances, and the Golden Ball for an all-round show. No player had recorded such numbers in the ISL.Now, with uncertainty all around, Ajaraie is the latest foreign footballer to accept an offer from the Indonesia Super League.“NorthEast United FC and Persija Jakarta have reached an agreement for the loan transfer of Alaaeddine Ajaraie until the end of the 2025–26 season,” the club said in a statement on Friday.According to sources, NorthEast extended Ajaraie’s contract before loaning him to Persija Jakarta, who have won the top-division 11 times and are now placed third.Ajaraie is the latest foreign footballer to quit Indian football this season and seek a challenge elsewhere. Four of Kerala Blasters’ six foreigners have already parted ways, while FC Goa have been left with just two – Pol Moreno and Dejan Drazic – after starting with six foreigners in the AFC Champions League Two games.Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City, East Bengal and NorthEast have also lost players this season with many of them frustrated at the delayed start to the ISL. The top-tier league is now expected to kick off on Feb 14.Some prominent foreigners to quit India despite having contracts till the end of the season includes Edgar Mendez (Bengaluru), Javier Siverio, Borja Herrera, Iker Guarrotxena, David Timor (all Goa), Jon Toral, Tiri (Mumbai City), Juan Rodriguez, Adrian Luna, Noah Sadaoui, Tiago Alves (all Kerala Blasters), Hiroshi Ibusuki, Hamid Ahadad (East Bengal), Chema Nunez, Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United).