Championship club Portsmouth announced on their official website that they have signed central defender Ajibola Alese, who is eligible for the Super Eagles, on loan from Premier League club Sunderland for the remainder of the season. The 25-year-old joins Portsmouth, who are 21st in the Championship table, after recently returning to fitness from a shoulder injury that kept him out for most of the first half of the season. The versatile defender has made 40 Championship appearances for Sunderland over three seasons. Portsmouth coach John Mousinho stated that he was pleased to welcome Alese and expressed his thanks to Sunderland for the loan, adding that the player is a strong defender, is comfortable on the ball, and has Championship experience. Mousinho also noted that the team currently has a shortage of centre-backs and Alese fits the profile they were seeking. Alese, who has four caps for England U20, joined Sunderland in July 2022, and his contract with the club is valid until June 2027. His current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €1.00m.