NorthEast United FC Parts Ways with Defender Yaser Hamed Amid AFC Asian Cup Commitments

Indian Super League (ISL) club NorthEast United FC bid farewell to Palestine defender Yaser Hamed, as announced on Sunday. Currently on national duty with Palestine at the AFC Asian Cup 2023, Hamed missed NorthEast United’s Kalinga Super Cup campaign.

Hamed, the final foreign signing for NorthEast United FC in the ISL 2023-24 season, fulfilled the Asian player quota for the Highlanders. Despite joining the club ahead of the current season, his role was secondary as the second-choice centre-back behind club captain Michel Zobaco, a Spanish defender. Hamed made his debut in NorthEast United’s opening ISL game against Mumbai City FC in September 2023, a match they lost 2-1 at home.

Throughout his stay with the club, Hamed made eight appearances, starting three matches and coming on as a substitute in five games. Born and raised in Spain to Palestinian and Basque parents, Hamed attended the Athletic Bilbao Academy, beginning his football journey at the age of ten. He went on to represent various Spanish teams before playing for Al Masry SC in Egypt, Al-Rayyan in Qatar, and Al Qadsia SC in Kuwait.

Hamed’s international career took off in 2019 when he made his debut for the Palestine national team. Known for his versatility, Hamed can play as a centre-back, right-back, or left-back. With 26 appearances and five goals for the national team, he has established himself as a regular on the international scene.

Despite his departure, Hamed’s contributions to NorthEast United FC and his international experience will be remembered as the club looks ahead to the remainder of the season.