East Bengal Confirm Mutual Departure of Defender Hijazi Maher After 2-Season Stint

In a significant development that marks the end of an eventful chapter, East Bengal have officially confirmed the mutual departure of Jordanian centre-back Hijazi Maher, bringing his two-season association with the Red and Gold Brigade to a close. The announcement, made through the club’s social media channels on Friday evening, ends speculation surrounding the defender’s future with the Kolkata-based Indian Super League outfit.

The Official Announcement and Timeline

East Bengal formally bid farewell to the Jordan defender on Friday through their social media platforms, expressing gratitude for his contributions while confirming the mutual nature of the separation.

The timing of this announcement comes just ahead of the new ISL season, allowing both parties to plan their respective futures accordingly.

The mutual agreement approach suggests that both East Bengal and Hijazi Maher recognized that a change of scenery would benefit all parties involved, particularly given the challenges faced during the previous season.

Hijazi Maher’s Journey with East Bengal

Hijazi joined East Bengal in September 2023 and made an immediate impact. His standout performances in the Kalinga Super Cup earned him the ‘Defender of the Tournament’ accolade. The Jordanian defender’s debut season showcased his potential and established him as a key figure in the club’s defensive setup.

However, the following season presented significant challenges that ultimately influenced this mutual decision. In February 2024, a knee injury ruled him out for the remainder of the 2024–25 season. This injury setback proved to be a turning point in his East Bengal career.

Performance Analysis and Statistics

During his tenure with East Bengal, Hijazi Maher’s contributions were notable, particularly in his debut season. The towering left-footed defender recorded fantastic numbers in last season’s Indian Super League, which include the second-highest clearances (99), the second-highest headed clearances (58) and the second-most blocks (22).

His tally of 14 clearances in East Bengal’s away fixture against Mumbai City FC is the record for the most clearances by a player in a single ISL 2023-24 match. These statistics highlight his defensive capabilities and work rate when fully fit.

The Challenges and Turning Points

The relationship between Hijazi Maher and East Bengal faced several challenges that ultimately contributed to this mutual separation. Despite his strong physical presence in the backline, his performances last season drew criticism for inconsistency and errors in key matches.

The knee injury sustained in February 2024 proved to be a significant watershed moment. East Bengal FC suffered a major setback ahead of the crucial final phase of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, as defender Hijazi Maher has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign due to a knee injury.

This injury not only affected his individual performance but also impacted East Bengal’s defensive stability during crucial phases of their campaign. The club’s defensive concerns became more pronounced, leading to questions about their overall backline reliability.

East Bengal’s Defensive Restructuring

As a result, the East Bengal management decided to look for a more reliable option in defence. According to reports, Argentine defender Kevin Sibille has been shortlisted as a potential replacement. This strategic shift indicates the club’s desire to strengthen their defensive department with fresh options.

The Red and Gold Brigade’s approach to squad building for the upcoming season reflects their ambition to address the defensive issues that plagued them in recent campaigns. The mutual parting with Hijazi Maher represents part of this broader restructuring initiative.

Hijazi Maher’s Next Chapter: Return to Jordan

Following his departure from East Bengal, Hijazi Maher has secured his immediate future by returning to his homeland. The Jordanian centre-back will join Al Faisaly, a club based in Amman, Jordan. Al Faisaly confirmed the signing through an official announcement on their social-media handles, revealing that Hijazi has signed a three-year contract.

This move represents a homecoming for the defender, who will now have the opportunity to rebuild his career in familiar surroundings while contributing to Al Faisaly’s ambitions in Jordanian football.

International Career and Recognition

It was also during this period that he received a call-up to the Jordan national team. His time with East Bengal coincided with international recognition, highlighting the platform that the Indian Super League provided for his career development.

The exposure gained through competing in the ISL and various domestic tournaments in India has undoubtedly enhanced his profile as a defender, which should serve him well in his future endeavors with both club and country.

Impact on East Bengal’s Future Plans

The mutual departure of Hijazi Maher allows East Bengal to pursue their transfer targets with clarity and focus on building a more cohesive defensive unit. The club’s management can now allocate resources toward securing alternative defensive options that align with their tactical philosophy and long-term objectives.

This decision also reflects a mature approach from both parties in recognizing when a professional relationship has run its course, allowing for an amicable separation that benefits everyone involved.

Legacy and Memorable Moments

Despite the challenges faced in his final season, Hijazi Maher’s contributions to East Bengal should not be overlooked. His standout performances in the Kalinga Super Cup earned him the ‘Defender of the Tournament’ accolade, representing the pinnacle of his achievements with the club.

The mutual respect evident in the departure announcement suggests that both the player and the club recognize the positive aspects of their association, even as they pursue different paths forward.

A Professional Conclusion to a Mixed Chapter

The mutual departure of Hijazi Maher from East Bengal represents the end of a chapter that began with promise but was ultimately affected by injury setbacks and performance inconsistencies. Both parties can now move forward with clarity, having handled the separation in a professional manner that preserves relationships and reputation.

For East Bengal, this decision provides an opportunity to strengthen their defensive options with fresh talent, while Hijazi Maher can focus on rebuilding his career in the familiar environment of Jordanian football. The mutual nature of this agreement demonstrates maturity from both sides in recognizing the best path forward for all concerned.

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