Aji Alese

Sunderland On 15 July 2022, Alese signed a three-year deal with Sunderland for an undisclosed fee. He made his Black Cats debut on 6 August 2022, replacing Jack Clarke in the last few minutes of a 3–2 win against Bristol City. Alese made his first league start on 14 September 2022 against Reading and was booked for time-wasting with nearly 30 minutes of the match still to play. He scored his first Sunderland goal, also his first goal in senior football, on 17 September in a 2–2 away draw against Watford.

In January 2025, Alese broke his leg, and was ruled out for the rest of the season. In the summer he underwent shoulder surgery, and continued rehabilitation for the rest of the year.

In January 2026, Alese moved on loan to Portsmouth.

International career Born in England, Alese is of Nigerian descent. He has represented the England under-16 team. and started in the semi-final defeat against the Netherlands.

Alese has also represented the England under-18 team and on 10 September 2018 played the whole game as England won away against France under-18. In September 2019, Alese was called up to the England under-19 team.

Alese made his U20 debut during a 2–0 victory over Wales at St George's Park on 13 October 2020.

Style of play Dmitri Halajko, who managed Alese at under-23 level at West Ham, has praised multiple attributes of Alese, saying "he's quick, good on the ball, he has a nice left foot, good range of passing and defends well in one-on-one situations", as well as his leadership skills, a trait former England U19 manager Paul Simpson has echoed. Accrington manager John Coleman has also commended Alese's versatility, saying "he is capable of playing left-back".

Personal life

Born in Islington and raised in Romford, Alese is of Nigerian descent and eligible to play for Nigeria as well as England.

Career statistics