NorthEast United FC ropes in Moroccan defensive midfielder Mohammed Ali Bemammer

NorthEast United FC have acquired the services of Moroccan defensive midfielder Mohammed Ali Bemammer for the upcoming season. The towering midfielder will look to provide steel to the Highlanders’ backline and be the engine in midfield.

Bemammer is a highly experienced player who personally knows NEUFC head coach Juan Pedro Benali. The 33-year-old started his career at the Moroccan club Maghreb de Fes and signed his first professional contract in 2009. During that time the club’s CEO was Benali.

Since then he featured for clubs like Raja Casablanca, Difaa Hassani El Jadidi, FAR de Rabat, and Ittihad Tanger before he made a move back to Maghreb de Fes last season. Bemammer has also featured in nine matches for the Morocco national team.

The experienced midfielder also had another reunion at Ittihad Tanger where Benali saved the club from relegation.

“Ali is a very good player. I have known him since he was in the academy. He also played and scored some vital goals for the Moroccan national team. He is also a very good leader on and off the field. His presence, experience, and leadership qualities will give the team a big push this season,” Benali stated on Bemammer’s signing.

The 33-year-old has played for some top teams in Africa and will bring invaluable experience to this midfield. His leadership and experience will play a vital role for the Highlanders.

Bemammer won tournaments like CAF Confederation Cup, Moroccan Throne Cup, North African Club Cup, and CAF Super Cup at the club level in 2011. He also won the African Nations Championships with Morocco in 2020. Therefore it speaks volumes about his experience as a professional.

The 33-year-old is very excited to start his new journey in India and feels knowing Benali will make things easier for him. “I’m delighted to come to India and make the Hero Indian Super League my first experience outside of Morocco. I am very thankful for the support I got from Juan and he took the effort to explain everything about the new league. I am really excited to work with the coach again. Since we worked together previously, it makes it easier for us to understand each other. I hope together we can achieve great things at the club,” the Moroccan expressed.

Bemammer is the fifth foreign signing for the Highlanders. He joins the likes of Romain Philippoteaux, Michael Zabacho, Ibson Melo and Michel Zabacho for the upcoming season.