‘The perfect place to be’ - Aji Alese outlines why he left West Ham United for Sunderland

Aji Alese insists he is “ready to go” on Wearside following his switch from West Ham United. Sunderland confirmed the 21-year-old’s arrival on Friday for an undisclosed fee - believed to be around £500,00.

The former Hammer is the Black Cats’ fourth summer signing after Jack Clarke, Leon Dajaku and Daniel Ballard. After struggling to break into the West Ham first team, Alese is relishing the opportunity of regular football in the Championship.

In his first interview as a Sunderland player, the centre-back declared leaving his boyhood club “just felt right” and the Stadium of Light is the “perfect place to be.” Alese also revealed conversations with Alex Neil helped sway his decision.

“It’s amazing,” he told the club’s media channel. “I've known about the interest for a few weeks and I'm happy it’s finally done. I'm here and I’m ready to go.

“I spoke to the gaffer a couple of times, spoke to Christian and spoke to Stu and I just got a great feeling. It just felt right. It felt like the perfect place to be.”

Alese candidly spoke about the qualities he will bring to the Black Cats’ backline. Defensive stability was key in the latter stages of 2021-22 as promotion from League One was secured and the youngster believes his speed will be an asset.

He added: “I’ll bring pace but, first and foremost, I'm a defender. I want to keep clean sheets. I want to defend well but I can also bring the ball out, hit diagonals, break lines, start attacks from defence and pitch in with a few goals here and there. A bit of everything!”