In a recent report, Football.London mentioned that West Ham United have sanctioned the exit of their youth academy product Ajibola Alese. It is stated that the 21-year-old completed his summer transfer to Championship club, Sunderland, in search of first-team football.
Alese’s Rise From West Ham Youth Academy
The young defender spent 14 years with the Hammers as he enjoyed a solid campaign in the U-18 and U-21 sides. He was a leader of men, being the captain for both the brackets. The English talent also earned 19 caps for England at the youth level.
The Islington-born sensation made his senior debut in September 2020 against Hull City in the Carabao Cup, defeating the Championship side 5-1. Furthermore, he also started in the match against Dynamo Zagreb, winning against them in the Europa League last season. He also featured in the pre-season friendlies against Servette and Ipswich Town this summer. The centre-back has signed a 3-year deal for Wearside, who have promised him first-team football at the Stadium of Light where he can showcase his talents and rise up to his potential.
Should Moyes Have Sanctioned His Exit From West Ham United?
David Moyes was impressed by his performances at the youth level, and he had caught his eye by being a consistent performer leading the U-18 and U-21 squad. There were many offers for the young defender as he looked to move away in search of regular play-time.
The Hammers are already stocked up in the defensive department which includes five centre-backs, namely Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson, Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and the £ 30 million summer signing Nayef Aguerd. Hence, regular football for Alese was unlikely to happen.
Moyes has done well to accept the offer from Sunderland and sanction his exit as at 21 he would be looking to develop, and grow further. Featuring for the Wearside whilst competing in the second tier of English football seems promising for his career in the near future.
