Defender Aji Alese has joined Cambridge United on loan until the end of the 20/21 Sky Bet League Two season.
The West Ham United centre back becomes the U’s second transfer deadline day addition, and bolsters the U’s defensive options following the arrival of Coventry’s Declan Drysdale earlier today, as well as Jubril Okedina and Club captain Greg Taylor.
Alese, 20, has been at the Irons since the age of eight, developing through the East London Club’s academy through to a full time scholarship before signing his first professional deal in July 2018. He’s been a notable performer through West Ham’s U18, U21 and U23 levels, and in September last year made his first team debut for the Hammers against Hull City in the Carabao Cup.
Having spent last season on loan with Accrington Stanley, where he made his Football League debut among 15 appearances at the League One Club and he now joins United to compete for a place in Mark Bonner’s side and continue his development.
Bonner commented: “Aji has some good experience of League football from his previous loan at Accrington Stanley and is well thought of at West Ham. He is left sided, has good quality with the ball and is a strong athlete, which makes him a nice addition to the squad.
“Much like Declan and Jubril, Aji has an opportunity to work for a place in the team whilst adding to our culture. This completes our business in the January window and with the competitive squad we have built, we can now focus on the months ahead and building on the progress we have made so far."