Aji Alese’s loan move has been described as a ‘calculated risk’, with his new head coach confirming the Sunderland defender will be eased in
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has acknowledged that Aji Alese’s loan move from Sunderland comes with an element of risk, admitting the defender will need to be introduced carefully as he builds match sharpness.
Alese has joined Pompey in search of regular football after a frustrating spell on Wearside, disrupted by injury, despite impressing whenever available. The 25-year-old was a regular early last season before a series of setbacks curtailed his involvement, including a broken leg suffered in January.
Now back playing and featuring for Sunderland’s under-21 side in recent weeks, Alese arrives at Fratton Park with Mousinho keen to manage his workload, even as Portsmouth battle their own injury problems in the Championship.
Speaking about the defender’s condition and profile, Mousinho said: “Aji’s an experienced Championship player, he’s a good age in terms of not being a kid - though he would’ve liked to have played more games. He started off very well last season for Sunderland, but unfortunately, picked up a few injuries across the year. He hasn’t played for a long time in the league, which is one of the reasons we were able to pick him up. He can play left-back, left centre-half and is physically very good.”
While Alese is not expected to be rushed, Mousinho confirmed the former Black Cat is already capable of contributing in some capacity, having built minutes with Sunderland’s development side. “He can definitely play minutes. He’s played 45 minutes and 65 minutes for Sunderland’s under-21 side,” he added. “What we don’t want to do is risk anything unnecessarily too quickly, but he’ll be ready pretty soon. He’s in good shape, and it’s just about getting him ready for the Championship.”
From Sunderland’s perspective, the loan move offers Alese the opportunity to rebuild rhythm and confidence after an extended spell on the sidelines, while allowing the Black Cats to carefully manage his recovery away from the pressure of Premier League demands.
Mousinho was candid about the nature of the deal, describing it as a measured decision rather than a gamble, and pointed to previous success stories at Portsmouth as justification. “We need to get him into the building and get him physically right, he’s not one who can come in and go straightaway,” he said.” The best example I’ve got is Rob (Atkinson).
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join ourSAFC WhatsApp channel.
“Rob came in after not playing for two years and, as you can see from his performances this year and signing a new deal, we weren’t getting Rob unless he’d been out for two years. He’s a top-end Championship player. It’s similar for Aji, who was playing for a Sunderland side who get promoted last year.
“Without injuries, I’m not sure whether he would have stayed at Sunderland and played in the Premier League or not, but the alternative is that he goes to a top-six Championship side. That’s the reason we’ve got him, we’ve taken a decision with all of those factors in our minds - we’re aware of them. As with every decision, we’re not just saying we’re going to take a punt. It’s a calculated risk.”
Continue Reading