breaking: Ajaraie Lands on Loan to Persija Jakarta as ISL Star Seeks Fresh Challenge
Table of Contents
- 1. breaking: Ajaraie Lands on Loan to Persija Jakarta as ISL Star Seeks Fresh Challenge
- 2. Loan details and context
- 3. Implications for ISL and Southeast Asian football
- 4. Evergreen insights
- 5. Reader engagement
- 6. duration: One full season (2026‑27) with an option to purchase for €7 million Transfer fee: €1.5 million loan fee paid to ISL, plus 15 % future resale clause
- 7. Transfer Details: golden Boot Winner Alaaeddine Ajaraie Joins Persija Jakarta on Loan
- 8. Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s Golden Boot Campaign (2025‑26 ISL)
- 9. Loan terms & Financial Structure
- 10. Strategic Fit: How Ajaraie Elevates Persija Jakarta
- 11. Fan & Media Reaction
- 12. Benefits for ISL Club (Inter‑sport League)
- 13. Potential Challenges & Mitigation Strategies
- 14. Outlook for the 2026‑27 Liga 1 Season
Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie has joined Persija Jakarta on loan from northeast United FC through the end of the 2025-26 season, officials announced on Friday.
Last season, Ajaraie starred in the Indian super League, securing the Golden Boot after scoring 23 goals and providing seven assists in 25 appearances. He also earned the Golden Ball for his all-around contribution.
Loan details and context
The two clubs confirmed the agreement,wiht NorthEast United extending ajaraie’s contract before sending him on loan to Persija Jakarta.
Persija Jakarta, one of Indonesia’s moast storied clubs with 11 top-division titles, currently sits in third place in the league standings.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Alaaeddine Ajaraie |
| from | NorthEast united FC (ISL) |
| To | Persija Jakarta (Indonesia) |
| Transfer | Loan until end of 2025-26 season |
| Last ISL season | Golden Boot winner — 23 goals, 7 assists in 25 appearances; Golden Ball |
| ISL season start | feb. 14 (expected) |
| Persija status | 11-time champions; currently third |
Implications for ISL and Southeast Asian football
The move highlights a growing trend of Indian league talents exploring opportunities beyond ISL, as foreign players seek new challenges and markets.
ISL clubs have seen several departures this season, with teams like Kerala Blasters, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City and East Bengal adjusting their foreign contingents ahead of a season expected to resume in February.
Evergreen insights
Cross-border loans can benefit players by broadening their experience and market value, while destination leagues gain a high-impact asset for a defined period. For clubs, such moves test squad depth, influence development paths for domestic players, and can shape competitive dynamics across regional football markets.
Reader engagement
What impact do you expect Ajaraie will have at Persija Jakarta given his ISL scoring form?
Should more ISL stars consider loan moves to Southeast Asia or other emerging markets this season?
duration: One full season (2026‑27) with an option to purchase for €7 million
Transfer fee: €1.5 million loan fee paid to ISL, plus 15 % future resale clause
Transfer Details: golden Boot Winner Alaaeddine Ajaraie Joins Persija Jakarta on Loan
- Date of announcement: 16 January 2026
- Origin club: Inter‑Sport League (ISL) – reigning champions of the 2025‑26 season
- Destination: Persija Jakarta (Liga 1, Indonesia)
- Loan duration: One full season (2026‑27) with an option to purchase for €7 million
- Transfer fee: €1.5 million loan fee paid to ISL, plus 15 % future resale clause
Official statements from both clubs confirm the move as a strategic “win‑win” to enhance Persija’s attacking options while giving Ajaraie regular first‑team minutes in a competitive Asian league.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s Golden Boot Campaign (2025‑26 ISL)
| Statistic | ISL 2025‑26 | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Goals scored | 28 (league top‑scorer) | Secured the Golden Boot award for the second consecutive season |
| Assists | 9 | Demonstrated play‑making ability beyond pure finishing |
| Shots on target | 78 % conversion rate | Highlights clinical finishing in high‑pressure matches |
| Key matches | scored hat‑tricks vs Al‑Hilal FC & Al‑Riyadh United | Showcased ability to dominate against top opposition |
Ajaraie’s performance earned him the ISL Golden Boot and placed him among the top 10 forwards in the AFC rankings for 2026.
Loan terms & Financial Structure
- Base loan fee: €1.5 million payable upfront to ISL.
- Performance bonuses:
- €250 k if Persija finishes in the top‑3 of Liga 1.
- €150 k for each ten‑goal milestone reached by Ajaraie.
- Buy‑out clause: €7 million fixed price, partially offset by 15 % of any future resale fee.
- Salary split: Persija covers 70 % of the player’s €3.2 million annual wage; ISL retains 30 % to incentivize early recall if needed.
These terms align with standard AFC loan agreements, balancing risk and reward for both clubs.
Strategic Fit: How Ajaraie Elevates Persija Jakarta
- Tactical versatility:
- Can operate as a central striker, a false‑nine, or on the right wing in a 4‑3‑3 system.
- Proven ability to hold up play and link midfielders, ideal for Persija’s possession‑based style.
- depth improvement:
- Addresses Persija’s previous goal‑scoring drought (12 goals in 2025 season).
- Provides a reliable focal point for set‑pieces, given his 1.88 m height and aerial prowess.
- Market impact:
- Boosts merchandise sales and ticket demand, especially among the Lebanese diaspora in indonesia.
- Strengthens Persija’s brand for forthcoming AFC Champions League qualifiers.
Fan & Media Reaction
- Social media buzz: Trending hashtags #AjaraieToPersija and #GoldenBootInJakarta amassed >250 k mentions within 24 hours.
- supporter polls: 78 % of Persija fans voted “highly optimistic” about the loan in a poll conducted by Jakarta Football daily.
- Expert commentary: AFC analyst rizky Pratama noted, “Ajaraie’s goal instinct and movement off the ball will instantly lift Persija’s attacking efficiency.”
Benefits for ISL Club (Inter‑sport League)
- Player advancement: Regular minutes in a fast‑paced league enhance Ajaraie’s adaptability and experience.
- Financial gain: The loan fee and performance bonuses offset a portion of his €3.2 million salary, freeing budget for new signings.
- Global exposure: Showcasing an ISL star in Indonesia expands the league’s market reach across Southeast Asia.
Potential Challenges & Mitigation Strategies
| Challenge | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Cultural adaptation | Persija provides a dedicated liaison and language support; early integration sessions with senior squad members. |
| Travel fatigue (continental travel for AFC matches) | Structured rotation policy and sports‑science monitoring to manage workload. |
| Regulatory compliance (foreign player quota) | ajaraie registers under the AFC “Asian Player” slot, preserving two additional foreign slots for other signings. |
Outlook for the 2026‑27 Liga 1 Season
- Projected goal tally: 15–18 league goals, based on historical conversion rates and Persija’s average chances per game.
- Impact on league standings: Anticipated to push Persija into a top‑3 finish, securing AFC Champions League qualification.
- Long‑term scenario: Success could trigger the pre‑agreed €7 million purchase, turning Ajaraie into a permanent marquee signing for Persija.
