SUNDERLAND believe the best is yet to come from Aji Alese after the defender put pen to paper on a new contract - and the former West Ham youngster is set to boost the Black Cats with his return from injury "imminent".

Alese has endured plenty of frustration since joining the club in the summer of 2022 but when he's been fit he's shown his quality and potential and Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says the 23-year-old is an important part of the club's long-term plans.

Alese's previous deal on Wearside was due to expire in 2025 but the defender has now agreed a new contract, committing to the club until the summer of 2027.

Speakman said: “We are really pleased to extend Aji’s contract. He’s performed at a high level for us and demonstrated the potential to develop further, so we see him as an important member of our squad.

"It’s been a difficult 12 months for him due to injury, but his return to action is imminent and his personality has ensured that he has contributed to the group throughout his rehabilitation.

"We have high hopes for Aji and his ambition matches our own, so we are delighted to secure his long-term future.”

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Alese played 20 times in the Championship for Sunderland last season, helping Tony Mowbray's side reach the play-offs, but he was sidelined for much of the second half of the campaign with ankle and thigh injuries.

He returned for the play-off semi-final against Luton but suffered a further setback in that game which kept him out for the first half of the current season. He returned to the first-team at the turn of the year but more frustration followed and he's been out since early January.

He's now closing in on a return, which will be a huge boost for interim head coach Mike Dodds.

"My time so far at the club has been enjoyable," said Alese after agreeing his new deal.

"There have been a lot of ups and downs. There have been injuries, getting to the semi-final of the play-offs and the heartache of losing.

"There's been different managers but overall there's been a great group of lads and an even better group of fans. I'm from down south and up here is very different but the fans have taken to me and I've taken to the fans.

"Every time I step onto the pitch I can feel their presence and it's really helpful. I'm delighted to extend my stay here and I'm really looking forward to the future."