Persib Bandung has officially parted ways with veteran defender Rezaldi Hehanussa following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Super League season. According to an official statement from the club, the decision marks the end of a 3.5-year tenure for the former Persija Jakarta player, as the club continues a wider roster overhaul that has already seen seven players exit the squad.
Why Did Persib Bandung Release Rezaldi Hehanussa?
Persib Bandung opted not to extend Rezaldi Hehanussa’s contract due to a combination of inconsistent playing time and a persistent history of injury struggles. Deputy CEO of PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat, Adhitia Putra Herawan, confirmed the departure through the club’s official website, thanking the player for his “dedication, professionalism, and hard work.”
Rezaldi’s statistical output highlights the impact of his physical setbacks. After joining from Persija in the middle of the 2022/23 season, he made only 38 appearances across all league competitions. While he logged 25 appearances during the 2023/24 campaign, his involvement plummeted to just one match in each of the two subsequent seasons. He spent the latter half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Persik Kediri, where he recorded seven appearances.
Rezaldi Hehanussa, often nicknamed “Bule,” was once considered one of Indonesia’s premier left-backs. His career trajectory was hampered by a series of significant injuries, including a torn knee ligament, Achilles tendon issues, and cartilage damage, which prevented him from completing a full season during his time at both Persija and Persib.
How Does This Move Fit Into Persib’s Roster Overhaul?
The departure of Rezaldi is part of a significant “cleaning house” initiative by the Persib management following the 2025/26 season. Rezaldi is the seventh player to leave the club, signaling a shift in team strategy.
The list of departures reflects a broad transition for the squad:
- Federico Barba
- Sergio Castel
- Alfeandra Dewangga
- Adam Przybek
- Zulkifli Lukmansyah (loan)
- Robi Darwis
- Rezaldi Hehanussa
By moving on from these players, Persib appears to be clearing salary cap space and opening slots for new acquisitions. This trend of aggressive squad rotation is increasingly common in the Super League as clubs look to refresh aging rosters or move on from injury-prone personnel to maintain a higher intensity of play.
What Are the Risks of Frequent Roster Turnover?
While clearing the roster can provide financial flexibility, it introduces the challenge of team chemistry. Losing seven players in a single window requires significant recruitment work to ensure the new arrivals can integrate into the existing tactical system. According to reports from the club, the management is focused on building a team capable of sustained success, aiming to move past the era defined by the recent injury-plagued seasons of several high-profile veterans.
When analyzing team changes, look at the “minutes played” statistic rather than just the number of appearances. For players like Rezaldi, the decline in total minutes over three seasons provided a clearer indicator of his physical availability than the total number of matches played.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rezaldi Hehanussa retiring after leaving Persib?
No. While his contract with Persib was not extended, there has been no official announcement regarding his retirement. He recently completed a loan spell with Persik Kediri, suggesting he intends to continue his professional career.
How many players has Persib released this season?
As of the latest reports, Persib Bandung has released seven players, including Rezaldi Hehanussa, as part of a major squad reorganization.
Why did Persija previously release Rezaldi to Persib?
Persija Jakarta allowed Rezaldi to move to Persib largely due to his recurring injury history, which included ligament tears and tendon issues that made it difficult for him to complete a full season of professional football.
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