East Bengal FC have confirmed a new contract for Hijazi Maher, extending his stay at the club till 2026. The left-footed defender has been a regular in the starting line-up under Carles Cuadrat since arriving last season, and is now set to remain at the club for a couple more years.
Maher has made 22 appearances across all competitions for the Red and Gold side, and was at his best during the Kalinga Super Cup. His contribution was vital in helping the club win the trophy and enter the AFC Champions League 2 Qualifiers.
East Bengal FC confirm new contract for Hijazi Maher
Best Defender of #KalingaSuperCup 2024 ✅
— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) June 25, 2024
Second-highest clearances in #ISL10 ✅
Most clearances in a single #ISL10 game ✅
Second-highest headed clearances in #ISL10 ✅
Second-highest blocks in #ISL10 ✅
A leader at the back 🙌#AmagoFans, how happy are you with Hijazi's… pic.twitter.com/Z1PgPY3hWW
“Hijazi has become an important player in our defensive system, achieving incredible numbers in clearances, aerial duels and interceptions. His solidity was one of the prime reasons why we could achieve the best defensive numbers since our entry into the ISL. Hijazi got offers from other clubs, but decided to play for us and help us in our AFC campaign and other important competitions,” Carles Cuadrat told East Bengal’s official website.
The Kalinga Super Cup was the first trophy Hijazi Maher won outside of Jordan, as revealed by the man himself to the club’s site. His extension is a major achievement for the club to ensure continuity into the new season.
The Red and Golds have announced a new contract for club captain Cleiton Silva, as well as Saul Crespo. There are rumours that another defensive signing will be made before the end of the season to reinforce the backline, and it now remains to be seen whether it’ll be a foreigner or a domestic talent.
