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KOHIMA — NorthEast United FC has announced the signing of forward Alaeddine Ajaraie from Moroccan top-tier side FAR Rabat for the 2024-25 season, with an option to extend the contract for another year.
The 31-year-old Ajaraie becomes the Highlanders' sixth and final foreign signing. The five other foreign players previously signed by the club are Michel Zabaco, Guillermo Fernández, Néstor Albiach, Hamza Regragui, and Mohammed Ali Bemammer.
Ajaraie, who knew head coach Juan Pedro Benali and had previously shared the pitch with Hamza Regragui at RS Berkane, and whose former national teammate is Mohammed Ali Bemammer, said that they spoke highly of NorthEast United FC and influenced his decision to join the club.
“Having experienced football in Morocco and Qatar, I was eager for a new challenge. So after deliberation with my family, I decided to take this opportunity. I am looking forward to get going and help the club win trophies,” he added.
Ajaraie won the CAF Confederation Cup in 2020, with NorthEast United FC's Regragui as his teammate. After winning the CAF Confederation Cup, Ajaraie moved to the Maghreb Association Sportive de Fès (MAS Fès), Morocco's oldest sports club, before joining Muaither SC.
He holds the record for scoring 143 goals in 211 appearances across various competitions and countries.
He was the top scorer for Muaither SC with 11 goals in 13 appearances in Qatar's second division, helping his side secure promotion to the Qatar Stars League. After contributing to Muaither's promotion, he moved to AS FAR Rabat, a team in Morocco's top tier.
“Alaeddine is a seasoned and versatile striker, capable of playing across the front line. His tenacious spirit and ability to disrupt opposition backlines make him a formidable force. I've been following his career for six years and am thrilled to welcome him to the team,” Juan Pedro Benali, head coach of NorthEast United FC, said.
Mandar Tamhane, CEO, NorthEast United FC, also said that Alaeddine is a top-quality player, whom the club has been following since he helped Muaither SC earn promotion in 2023.
"We attempted to sign him then, but he opted for FAR Rabat. We're delighted to finally have him here", he added.
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