Official : Anglo-Nigerian CB ends 14-year association with West Ham after Sunderland move

Through their official website, Championship new boys Sunderland have announced the signing of former England U20 international of Nigerian descent Ajibola Alese for an undisclosed fee.

With his permanent transfer to the Black Cats, the central defender has ended his fourteen-year association with West Ham United, whom he joined at the age of seven.

Alese has put pen to paper on an initial three-year contract with a club option for the 2025-2026 season.

He has Football League experience, making twelve appearances combined during loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Cambridge United.

The London native departs the Hammers after playing two games for the first team and was a non-playing substitute on twenty-four occasions including eleven in the Premier League.

Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Alese told the official website of Sunderland : "It’s amazing to be here and I’m happy the deal is done.

"I live five minutes away from West Ham’s training ground and I’ve been there since the age of eight, so it could have been easier to stay but life isn’t easy and I’m ready for the challenge.

"I spoke to Alex Neil, Kristjaan Speakman and Stuart Harvey and I got a great feeling about Sunderland AFC.

"This is the place I want to be, so now it’s time to crack down and get ready for the new season."

Alese was West Ham's development squad captain last season and previously captained the U18 side.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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