East Bengal FC has roped in 26-year-old Jordanian centre-back Hijazi Maher as Jordan Elsey’s replacement for Indian Super League 2023-24. Maher is currently a member of the Jordan senior national squad.

Having played for the Jordan Premier League side Al-Hussein SC and the Iraq Premier League side Zakho SC on loan, Maher featured in 29 matches and scored 5 goals last season.

The tall defender has won two Jordan FA Cups and a Jordan Super Cup and holds the record for the most minutes played by a player in the 2021 season.

“After playing in the Iraq Premier League last season, the Jordan international player was ready to keep playing in another interesting Asian league to have the opportunity to show his talent and be ready for a national team call-up. It’s nice to find a solution to Elsey’s injury in a young player ready to fight for a place and wants to make an impact in Indian football," East Bengal FC head coach Carles Cuadrat commented on the signing.

Maher was looking forward to the challenge of playing in the ISL and highlighted the Kolkata derby as the fixture he was eagerly waiting to play in.

“I am very happy to join this historic club and play in the Indian Super League. I thank the coach and the club for giving me the opportunity to play here. Everyone can see the huge popularity that the league has garnered in recent times. I'm very excited to meet the fans and play in the iconic Kolkata derby.”

The player registration is subject to the completion of regulatory processes and final medicals in Kolkata.

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