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Sone Aluko
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Omatsone Folarin Aluko (born 19 February 1989) is a professional football coach and former player who played as a forward or winger. He is currently a first team coach at Ipswich Town.
Key Information
Aluko began his career at Birmingham City, graduating from the club's academy to make his senior debut in 2007. He joined Aberdeen on loan in the 2007–08 season and was loaned to Blackpool at the beginning of the 2008–09 season. After just two appearances for Blackpool, he signed for Aberdeen permanently in August 2008. He left Aberdeen in July 2011 at the end of his contract. Aluko signed for Rangers in November 2011 and scored 12 goals in 21 appearances during the 2011–12 season. After one season at Rangers, he returned to England to join Hull City. He made over 100 appearances for Hull during a four-year spell at the club, helping Hull win promotion to the Premier League in 2013 and reach the 2014 FA Cup Final. He left Hull to join Fulham in 2016, before joining Reading in 2017. He spent four seasons at Reading, making over 100 appearances for the club, while also spending time out on loan at Beijing Renhe in 2019. In August 2021, he signed for Ipswich Town where he remained until his retirement from football in May 2024.
Born in England, Aluko was capped by England at all youth levels up to under-19 before accepting an offer to play for Nigeria. He won caps at under-20 and under-23 levels, before making his senior debut in 2009.
His sister Eniola Aluko was born in Nigeria and is a former professional footballer. She formerly played for Juventus and England.
Club career
[edit]Birmingham City
[edit]Aluko was born in Hounslow, London,[3] and brought up from a young age in Birmingham. He progressed through Birmingham City's youth system, which he joined at the age of eight.[4] He was given a first-team squad number in the 2005–06 season, and was an unused substitute in a Premier League match against Arsenal at Highbury in October 2005.[5] He made his first-team debut for Birmingham on 28 August 2007 as a late substitute in a League Cup tie against Hereford United.[6]
Aberdeen (loan)
[edit]In August 2007, Aluko joined Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen on loan until January 2008.[7] He made his debut for Aberdeen as a late substitute in the UEFA Cup group match against Panathinaikos on 25 October 2007. He scored his first goal for the club the following week, opening the scoring in a 2–0 victory over Dundee United.[8] In January, the loan deal was extended to keep Aluko at Aberdeen for the rest of the season.[9] On 14 February 2008, as part of a performance which earned him the man-of-the-match award, he scored Aberdeen's second goal in a 2–2 draw against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup Round of 32.[10][11] He scored 4 goals in 31 appearances during his loan at Aberdeen.[12]
Blackpool (loan)
[edit]Aluko signed for Blackpool on a month's emergency loan on 8 August 2008,[13] and made his debut the following day as a late substitute in the Seasiders' 0–1 home defeat to Bristol City.[14] He made 2 appearances for Blackpool before returning from loan at the end of August.[15]
Aberdeen
[edit]
On transfer deadline day, 1 September 2008, Aluko returned to Aberdeen on a permanent basis, signing a three-year contract for a fee of £50,000.[16][17] He made his return in a 1–2 home defeat to Hamilton Academical on 13 September,[18] and scored his first goal since rejoining the club to clinch Aberdeen's first home win of the season, a single-goal victory over Kilmarnock on 1 November.[19] Aluko went on to win the SPL Young Player of the Month award for November 2008.[20] Aluko featured regularly following his return to Aberdeen, playing 37 matches during the 2008–09 season, scoring 4 goals.[15]
He continued to be a key part of the Aberdeen first-team during the 2009–10 season. He scored his first goal of the season in a 1–3 loss against Celtic on 15 August. In total, Aluko scored 3 times in 26 appearances over the course of the season.[21]
Aluko made his first appearance of the 2010–11 season in Aberdeen's opening match of the campaign, starting the match in a 4–0 home win against Hamilton Academical at the Pittodrie Stadium. On 15 February, he scored his first goal of the season in a 1–2 home loss against Motherwell. He also scored in Aberdeen's following match, a 5–0 home win against Kilmarnock on 19 February. He did not score again for the rest of the season, scoring twice in 33 appearances in total during the season.[22] He left the club at the end of his contract in July 2011.
Rangers
[edit]Following his release from Aberdeen, Aluko had a trial with Juventus prior to the 2011–12 season.[23] He then went on trial at Rangers.[24] Rangers were impressed with Aluko and offered him a contract, but the move was held up while Aberdeen and Rangers negotiated compensation.[25] Aluko signed for Rangers until the end of the season on 24 November 2011 after a deal was agreed.[25] He made his Rangers debut in a 0–1 away loss to Kilmarnock on 27 November. Aluko was banned for two games for diving to win a penalty in a match between Rangers and Dunfermline on 3 December 2011. Rangers' manager, Ally McCoist, stated "The three gentlemen on the panel have effectively called my player a cheat and a liar, neither of which he is".[26] Aluko scored his first goal for Rangers in a 3–0 home win against Motherwell at Ibrox on 2 January. On 25 March 2012, Aluko scored the opening goal in Rangers' 3–2 victory over Celtic.[27] He scored his first senior hat-trick in Rangers 4–0 victory at St Johnstone on the final day of the 2011–12 Scottish Premier League season.[28] He scored 12 goals in 23 appearances during his first season at Rangers, his best goal return to date.[29]
In June 2012, with his contract set to expire but the club holding an option to extend it, Aluko lodged an objection against the contract being transferred from Rangers to a new company set up by Charles Green.[30] PFA Scotland had previously commented that players were entitled to become free agents if they objected to the transfer.[31] Aluko raised a constructive dismissal claim against Rangers.[32][33]
Hull City
[edit]2012–13 season
[edit]
On 25 July 2012, it was confirmed that Aluko had signed a two-year deal with Hull City.[34] He made his debut in a home match against Brighton & Hove Albion on 18 August.[35] On 1 September 2012 he scored his first goal for the club against Bolton Wanderers at the KC Stadium.[36] After the international break, Aluko scored his second goal for Hull City in the following game against Millwall to make it 4–0 before half-time, with Hull going onto win the match 4–1.[37] On 2 October, Aluko made scored his third goal in a Hull City shirt by scoring a wonderful strike from 20 yards out into the top corner against Blackpool.[38]
His next goal came at the end of October against Bristol City, himself and Jay Simpson linked up to put Hull 1–0 ahead inside 8 minutes, to which the commentator compared the goal to Barcelona.[39] He bagged another goal in the next game, at home to Barnsley, with teammate Ahmed Elmohamady's cross was half-cleared and Aluko, unlike Barnsley's defenders, was alert to the ball and fired home from a tight angle.[40] He then made it 3 in 3 and 6 goals for the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 6 November, putting in a free-kick from 25 yards into the bottom-left corner past Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme.[41] On 17 November, Aluko scored twice against former club Birmingham City to put Hull 0–2 up, they went on to win the game 2–3.[42] This made it five goals in five games for Aluko and eight goals for the season. In November 2012, Aluko picked up an Achilles injury, initially ruling him out for a month, which Hull City incidentally won all four games he was missing, but later in January the injury flared up again. This meant he would require surgery, with fears he would be out for 6 months, but after successful surgery, he was expected to be back in 2 months time.[citation needed] Aluko scored 8 goals in 24 appearances during the 2012–13 season, helping Hull win promotion to the Premier League following a second placed league finish in the Championship.[43]
2013–14 season
[edit]Aluko made his Premier League debut in a 0–2 away defeat against Chelsea on 18 August. His first goal of the season, a 76th-minute "stunning volley", was Hull's winner in a 3–2 victory away to Newcastle United on 21 September.[44] In November Steve Bruce announced that Aluko denied a contract extension, this blow to Hull came shortly after Aluko tore his Achilles again which would see him out of action until February. He signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract with the club on 3 January 2014, telling the club website "I'm happy to be extending my stay here and I was always hopeful it would get sorted".[45] On 17 May 2014 he played as a substitute in the 2014 FA Cup Final against Arsenal.[46]
2014–15 season
[edit]Aluko's first appearance of the 2014–15 season came in Hull's UEFA Europa League tie against AS Trenčín on 31 July. He scored his first goal of the season in the second leg of the tie against Trenčín, netting an 80th-minute winner in a 2–1 victory. His first Premier League goal of the season came on 3 December when he scored the equaliser in a 1–1 draw against Everton. Aluko scored twice in 31 appearances during the season, as Hull suffered relegation from the Premier League after finishing 18th.[47]
2015–16 season
[edit]He continued to feature regularly for Hull during the 2015–16 season, scoring a late winner in a 2–1 win against Fulham on 19 August. His next goal did not come until March, when he scored an equalising goal in a 1–1 draw with Nottingham Forest. He helped Hull to a 4th-place league finish, qualifying for the Championship play-offs as a result, with Hull going onto win promotion back to the Premier League after winning the play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday.[48]
On 2 June 2016, it was announced that Aluko and teammate Ryan Taylor would leave the club prior to their contract expiry.[49]
Fulham
[edit]On 8 July 2016, Aluko joined Fulham on a free transfer. Aluko signed a two-year deal with an option for a further year.[50] He made his debut for Fulham in a 1–0 win over Newcastle United on the opening day of the 2016–17 season. On 13 August 2016, Aluko scored his first goal for Fulham, the opener in a 2–1 victory over Preston North End.[51] He quickly became a key part of the Fulham first-team during his first season at the club, starting 44 league games and making 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring 9 goals. He helped Fulham reach the EFL Championship play-offs following a 6th placed league finish, with Fulham eventually losing out to Reading following a 1–2 aggregate loss over two legs in the semi-finals.[52]
He made his first appearance of the 2017–18 season in the opening match against Norwich City on 5 August, with the match ending in a 1–1 draw. He started Fulham's opening four league matches of the season, before leaving to join Reading at the end of August.[53]
Reading
[edit]On 29 August 2017, Aluko joined Reading for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year deal,[54] with the fee later being reported to be £7.5 million.[55] He made his Reading debut in a 0–1 away loss against Bristol City on 9 September. He scored his first goal for the club on 31 October, netting the final goal in a 3–1 win against Nottingham Forest. He scored again in the following match in a 4–2 win against Derby County on 4 November. On 30 March, he scored the winning goal in a 1–0 win against Rotherham United. Aluko scored 3 goals in 40 appearances during his first season at Reading.[53]
Aluko started in the opening match of the 2018–19 season against Derby County, a match which ended in a 1–2 loss. He scored his first goal of the season in the reverse fixture against Derby, a match which also ended in a 1–2 win for Derby. He featured less frequently for Reading during his second season at the club, making 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring once.[56]
Beijing Renhe (loan)
[edit]On 26 February 2019, Aluko joined Beijing Renhe on loan until the end of the 2019 season.[57][58] He made 16 appearances in the Chinese Super League during his loan spell, scoring 3 goals.
Return to Reading
[edit]After returning from his loan spell at Beijing Renhe in January, he made his first appearance for Reading in an FA Cup third-round tie against former loan club Blackpool. He made his first league appearance of the season in a 0–1 loss against Bristol City. Aluko struggled for regular game time during the second half of the 2019–20 season, making 6 appearances, with only 2 appearances coming in the league.[59]
He managed to work his way back into the Reading first-team during the 2020–21 season. He made his first appearance of the season in a 3–1 EFL Cup first round win against Colchester United on 5 September. On 21 November, Aluko scored his first goal of the season in a 2–4 defeat against Bournemouth. He scored twice in 36 appearances over the course of the 2020–21 season.[60] Aluko was released by Reading when his contract expired at the end of the 2020–21 season.[61]
Ipswich Town
[edit]Aluko joined Ipswich Town on a free transfer on 6 August 2021, signing a one-year contract with the option to extend the deal by an additional year.[62] He made his debut in a 0–1 loss against Newport County in an EFL Cup first-round tie on 10 August.[63] On 16 October 2021, Aluko scored his first goals for Ipswich with a brace in a 2–2 draw against Cambridge United.[64] Three days later, he scored again in a 4–0 win against Portsmouth.[65] Aluko quickly became an important part of the Ipswich squad, as the most senior player in the team during his first season at the club. He captained the team in FA Cup and EFL Trophy matches during the first half of the season. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna praised him for his contributions both on and off the pitch; "I can't speak highly enough of him as a person really, around the place he's great with the younger players, he mentors, he speaks, he gives advice but he never sticks it in your face, he doesn't go around telling everyone that he's played in the Premier League, but he's there for advice whenever people need it. He has a quiet word in his own way whenever it's needed."[66] On 26 April 2022, Aluko activated the one-year extension in his contract having made 36 appearances in all competitions during the season, keeping him at the club until 2023.[67] After helping Ipswich to promotion back to the Premier League, Aluko announced his retirement from football on 6 May 2024.[68]
International career
[edit]England Youth
[edit]Aluko represented England at under-16, under-17 and under-18 level before making his debut for the England under-19 team on 11 September 2007 in a friendly against Belarus under-19.[69] He was involved in two of the goals in a 4–0 win.[70] He was selected in the 23-man provisional squad for the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship[71] but did not make the final 18.[72]
Nigeria
[edit]Aluko was named in the squad for the Nigeria under-20 national football team for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt. He played in games against Venezuela, Spain and Tahiti.[73]
Aluko was called up to the Nigerian national team for a friendly against the Republic of Ireland on 29 May 2009, an offer which with the support of his family he chose to accept.[74] He made his full international debut in the starting eleven, forcing the Irish goalkeeper to save his 40-yard lobbed free kick and playing the first 61 minutes of the game.[75][76]
In April 2010, he was named in the provisional Nigeria squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup,[77] but failed to make the final cut. He was finally called up by former Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi and therefore has a chance to add to his one cap against Republic of Ireland in May 2009 after he represented England at various age-group levels. He was brought into the squad to face Namibia and Malawi in the World Cup Qualifiers in the month of June 2012, but was an unused sub for both games.
Aluko was included in a pre-selection for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations but had to renounce because of an injury.[78] Nigeria later won the tournament.
He scored his first goals for Nigeria against South Africa in a 2–2 draw on 19 November 2014 in the qualifying round for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.[79]
Personal life
[edit]Aluko's older sister, Eniola, is a former footballer who played for England 102 times at full international level; she played in two World Cup quarter finals and reached the quarter finals of the London 2012 Olympics football tournament with Great Britain.[80][81] His father Gbenga is a former MP in Nigeria.[82][83][84]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 4 May 2024
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Birmingham City | 2007–08[12] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2008–09[15] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | ||||
| Aberdeen (loan) | 2007–08[12] | Scottish Premier League | 20 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5[a] | 1 | — | 31 | 4 | |
| Blackpool (loan) | 2008–09[15] | Championship | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | ||
| Aberdeen | 2008–09[15] | Scottish Premier League | 32 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 37 | 4 | ||
| 2009–10[21] | Scottish Premier League | 22 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[b] | 0 | — | 26 | 3 | ||
| 2010–11[22] | Scottish Premier League | 28 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 33 | 2 | |||
| Total | 82 | 7 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 96 | 9 | |||
| Rangers | 2011–12[29] | Scottish Premier League | 21 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 23 | 12 | |
| Hull City | 2012–13[43] | Championship | 23 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 24 | 8 | ||
| 2013–14[85] | Premier League | 17 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 22 | 1 | |||
| 2014–15[47] | Premier League | 25 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4[b] | 1 | — | 31 | 2 | ||
| 2015–16[48] | Championship | 25 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 31 | 3 | ||
| Total | 90 | 13 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1 | — | 108 | 14 | |||
| Fulham | 2016–17[52] | Championship | 45 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 2[c] | 0 | 50 | 9 | |
| 2017–18[53] | Championship | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||
| Total | 49 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 54 | 9 | |||
| Reading | 2017–18[53] | Championship | 39 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 40 | 3 | ||
| 2018–19[56] | Championship | 19 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 20 | 1 | |||
| 2019–20[59] | Championship | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 6 | 0 | |||
| 2020–21[60] | Championship | 33 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 36 | 2 | |||
| Total | 93 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 102 | 6 | |||
| Beijing Renhe (loan) | 2019[86] | Chinese Super League | 16 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 16 | 3 | |||
| Ipswich Town | 2021–22[87] | League One | 30 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 1[d] | 0 | 36 | 3 | |
| 2022–23[88] | League One | 14 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 1[d] | 0 | 19 | 0 | ||
| 2023–24[89] | Championship | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | — | — | 6 | 1 | |||
| Total | 46 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 1 | — | 1 | 0 | 59 | 4 | |||
| Career total | 418 | 55 | 43 | 3 | 18 | 1 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 492 | 61 | ||
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Cup
- ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Europa League
- ^ Appearances in EFL Championship play-offs
- ^ a b Appearance in EFL Trophy
International
[edit]| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | |||
| 2009 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 4 | 2 | |
| 2015 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 7 | 2 | |
International goals
[edit]- As of match played 19 November 2014. Nigeria score listed first, score column indicates score after each Aluko goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 19 November 2014 | Akwa Ibom Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria | 6 |  South Africa |
1–2 | 2–2 | 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | [79] |
| 2. | 2–2 |
Honours
[edit]Hull City
Ipswich Town
- EFL League One runner-up: 2022–23[93]
- EFL Championship runner-up: 2023–24[94]
Individual
- Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Month: November 2008[95]
- EFL Championship Player of the Month: November 2012,[96] October 2016[97]
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- ^ a b "2015 Nations Cup: Nigeria fail to qualify for finals". BBC Sport. 19 November 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ^ "Female stars keeping it in the family". FIFA. 29 April 2011. Archived from the original on 2 May 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
- ^ "Eniola Aluko: Ex-England, Chelsea & Juventus striker retires". BBC Sport. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ "Aluko hungry for 2010 WC action". Kick Off. 3 July 2009. Archived from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
- ^ Tunde Adekeye (23 July 2008). "Eniola Aluko: Goal Poacher And Brilliant Lawyer". Nigerian Muse. Archived from the original on 9 July 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
- ^ "Eniola will not fly". BBC Sport. 14 May 2005. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
- ^ "Games played by Sone Aluko in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
- ^ "S. Aluko". Soccerway. Perform Group. 1 March 2019.
- ^ "Games played by Sone Aluko in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
- ^ "Games played by Sone Aluko in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Sone Aluko in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
- ^ Sone Aluko at National-Football-Teams.com
- ^ Lovejoy, Joe (4 May 2013). "Hull survive late drama to seal Premier League spot in Cardiff draw". The Observer. London. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
- ^ McNulty, Phil (17 May 2014). "Arsenal 3–2 Hull City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
- ^ "Fleetwood Town 2 - 2 Ipswich Town". BBC Sport. 7 May 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ "We Are Premier League!". 4 May 2024.
- ^ "Aluko named young player of month". BBC Sport. 9 December 2008. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
- ^ "Football League Player of the Month 2012/13". Football League. Archived from the original on 16 March 2011. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
- ^ Thomas, Lyall (11 November 2016). "Sky Bet English Football League: Newcastle's Rafael Benitez named manager of the month". Sky Sports. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
External links
[edit]
- Sone Aluko profile at the Ipswich Town F.C. website
- Profile and Aberdeen stats at AFC Heritage Trust website
- Sone Aluko at National-Football-Teams.com
- Sone Aluko at Soccerway
- Sone Aluko at Soccerbase
Sone Aluko
View on GrokipediaClub career
Birmingham City
Aluko joined the youth academy of Birmingham City at the age of eight in 1997, progressing through the club's ranks as a promising attacking midfielder. He signed his first professional contract with the club in 2005 at the age of 16.[4] During the 2005–06 Premier League season, Aluko was included in the first-team squad for the first time, named as an unused substitute for Birmingham's away match against Arsenal at Highbury in October 2005. He remained on the fringes of the senior team over the next two seasons, featuring regularly for the reserve and youth sides but without making a competitive appearance.[5] Aluko made his senior debut for Birmingham on 28 August 2007, entering as a 64th-minute substitute for Mehdi Nafti in a 2–1 League Cup second-round victory over Hereford United at St Andrew's. This substitute appearance, lasting 26 minutes, was his only outing for the club's first team. Three days later, he was loaned to Scottish club Aberdeen for the 2007–08 season.[5][4] Following the conclusion of his loan spell, Birmingham sold Aluko to Aberdeen on a permanent three-year deal for a fee of £50,000 in September 2008.[6]Aberdeen (loan)
Aluko joined Aberdeen on a loan from Birmingham City on 31 August 2007, initially until January 2008, as part of manager Jimmy Calderwood's efforts to bolster the squad for the Scottish Premier League and UEFA Cup campaigns.[7] The 18-year-old winger, who had limited first-team opportunities at Birmingham, provided versatility on the flanks and added attacking depth to a team that finished fourth in the SPL the previous season.[4] He made his debut for Aberdeen on 25 October 2007, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 UEFA Cup group stage defeat to Panathinaikos at Pittodrie Stadium.[4] Aluko's breakthrough came shortly after, scoring his first goal for the club on 3 November 2007, in a 2-0 league victory over Dundee United, where he netted just before halftime to open the scoring.[8] His performances earned him a loan extension until the end of the season in December 2007, reflecting his growing impact in both domestic and European fixtures.[9] Aluko's most memorable contributions came in the UEFA Cup round of 32 against Bayern Munich. On 22 November 2007, in the first leg at the Allianz Arena, he came off the bench to score Aberdeen's second goal in the 78th minute, latching onto a through ball from Chris Clark to secure a surprising 2-2 draw against the German giants. In the return leg on 14 February 2008 at Pittodrie, Aluko started and scored again in the 41st minute with a driven finish, putting Aberdeen 2-1 up and earning man-of-the-match honors in another 2-2 stalemate, though the Dons were eliminated on away goals.[10] These goals against one of Europe's top clubs highlighted his potential and composure under pressure. Aluko added one more goal during the loan, a spectacular volley in the 67th minute of a 2-1 SPL loss to Motherwell on 10 May 2008, briefly equalizing late in the match.[11] Overall, he made 28 appearances across all competitions, scoring 4 goals (2 in the league and 2 in the UEFA Cup), often featuring as a substitute while contributing to Aberdeen's push for a European spot, which they secured with third place in the SPL.[12] His loan spell paved the way for a permanent move to the club in the summer of 2008.[4]Blackpool (loan)
On 8 August 2008, Aluko joined Blackpool on a one-month emergency loan from Birmingham City to provide cover for injured players.[13] He made his debut the following day, coming on as a late substitute in Blackpool's 0–1 home Championship defeat to Bristol City.[13] Aluko featured twice in total for Blackpool during the loan spell, with no goals scored.[4][14] The short-term arrangement ended at the close of August 2008, after which Aluko returned to Birmingham before mutually terminating his contract there and signing permanently with Aberdeen.[4] This brief stint at Blackpool marked a transitional period in his early career, following a previous loan at Aberdeen and preceding his full-time move north.[15]Aberdeen
Aluko joined Aberdeen on a permanent basis on 1 September 2008, signing a three-year contract from Birmingham City for a reported fee of £50,000.[16] The 19-year-old winger had previously impressed during a loan spell at the club the prior season and was seen as a key addition to bolster the squad's attacking options in the Scottish Premier League (SPL).[1] In his first full season (2008–09), Aluko quickly established himself, making 37 appearances and scoring 4 goals across all competitions. His form earned him the SPL Young Player of the Month award for November 2008, highlighted by vital goals in a 2–1 win over Kilmarnock and a 1–0 victory against St Mirren.[17] Over the next two seasons, he remained a consistent presence, contributing 26 appearances and 3 goals in 2009–10, followed by 33 appearances and 2 goals in 2010–11, bringing his total permanent stint record to 96 appearances and 9 goals.[18] Notable moments included a stunning volley in a 1–3 home defeat to Celtic on 15 August 2009, which briefly lifted Aberdeen's spirits in the match.[19] Aluko's versatility as a winger and forward provided creativity on the flanks, though Aberdeen finished mid-table in the SPL during his tenure, with no major trophies secured. Aluko departed Aberdeen upon the expiry of his contract in July 2011, amid reported interest from several clubs; he later joined Rangers in November after a compensation agreement was reached between the teams.[20]Rangers
Aluko joined Rangers on 24 November 2011, signing a contract until the end of the 2011–12 season after the club agreed compensation with his former team Aberdeen.[20] He made his debut three days later as a second-half substitute in a 0–1 Scottish Premier League defeat away to Kilmarnock.[21] During his sole season at Ibrox, Aluko emerged as a key attacking threat for Rangers, who were managed by Ally McCoist amid growing financial pressures. He scored the opening goal in a memorable 3–2 league victory over rivals Celtic on 25 March 2012, dribbling past multiple defenders before finishing past goalkeeper Fraser Forster.[22] Later, on 13 May 2012, Aluko netted a hat-trick in Rangers' 4–0 away win against St Johnstone, contributing significantly to the team's second-place finish in the Scottish Premier League despite the season's off-field turmoil.[23] In league play, Aluko made 21 appearances, starting 19, and recorded 12 goals and 3 assists while accumulating 1,668 minutes on the pitch.[24] Across all competitions, he featured in 23 matches and scored 13 goals, including outings in the Scottish Cup where Rangers reached the semi-finals.[21] His contributions helped the team secure a runner-up position, but no silverware was achieved. Aluko departed Rangers as a free agent at the end of his contract in June 2012, following the club's entry into administration in February and subsequent failure to exit via a Company Voluntary Arrangement, which led to several players, including him, becoming free agents. He subsequently joined Hull City in the English Championship.[25]Hull City
Sone Aluko signed a two-year contract with Hull City on 25 July 2012, joining the club on a free transfer after his deal with Rangers expired.[25] The 23-year-old winger, who had previously played for Aberdeen and had loan spells at Blackpool and Birmingham City, expressed enthusiasm about returning to English football and contributing to Hull's promotion push from the Championship.[25] In his debut season of 2012–13, Aluko quickly established himself, scoring eight goals in 23 appearances across all competitions as Hull secured promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.[15] His contributions included key goals in league matches, helping the team finish third in the Championship and win the play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday. On 3 January 2014, amid Hull's strong start to life in the top flight, Aluko extended his contract by two-and-a-half years, committing to the club until summer 2016.[26] During the 2014–15 Premier League campaign, Aluko made 25 league appearances and scored twice, including an equalizer in a 1–1 draw at Everton on 3 December 2014, where he surged past defender Sylvain Distin before finishing past the goalkeeper.[27] Hull also qualified for European competition for the first time, and Aluko played a pivotal role in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, scoring the winning volley in an 80th-minute substitute appearance during a 2–1 second-leg victory over AS Trenčín on 7 August 2014, securing a 2–1 aggregate win and advancement to the play-off round.[28] Despite these highlights, Hull were relegated from the Premier League that season. Following relegation, Aluko remained with Hull in the 2015–16 Championship, where he scored the decisive 86th-minute winner in a 2–1 home victory over Fulham on 20 August 2015, maintaining the team's unbeaten start.[29] Hull achieved promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt, though Aluko's involvement was more limited that year due to increased competition in the squad. Over four seasons at the club from 2012 to 2016, he made 108 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 9 assists.[14] Aluko departed Hull City on a free transfer in July 2016 upon the expiry of his contract, signing a two-year deal with Fulham.[30]Fulham
Aluko joined Fulham on 8 July 2016, signing a two-year contract with an option for an additional year following the expiration of his deal at Hull City.[15] The 27-year-old winger, managed by Slavisa Jokanović, made an immediate impact in the Championship, debuting in the opening 1–0 victory over Newcastle United on 5 August.[31] His first goal for the club came in the subsequent match, heading in a close-range effort from a defensive error to open the scoring in a 2–1 away win against Preston North End on 13 August 2016.[32] During the 2016–17 season, Aluko established himself as a key attacking figure, starting 44 of Fulham's 46 league matches and contributing significantly to their push for promotion. He recorded 8 goals and 9 assists in 45 league appearances, helping the team finish sixth and qualify for the play-offs, where they were eliminated 2–0 on aggregate by Reading in the semi-finals.[33] His form earned him the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award for October 2016, after scoring once and providing three assists in four matches, including a standout performance in a 2–0 win over Brentford.[34] Aluko appeared in four league games at the start of the 2017–18 season without scoring or assisting, before departing the club. On 29 August 2017, he transferred to Reading for an undisclosed fee, widely reported as £7.5 million, signing a four-year deal.[35][2] In total, across all competitions during his time at Fulham, Aluko made 54 appearances and scored 9 goals.[14]Reading
Sone Aluko joined Reading on a four-year contract on 29 August 2017, transferring from Fulham for a reported fee of £7.5 million, which at the time represented a club-record signing for the Royals.[36] The move came after a productive spell at Fulham, where he had scored nine goals in 50 appearances during the 2016–17 season, and was influenced by the ambition of then-manager Jaap Stam to build a promotion-challenging squad in the EFL Championship.[37] In his debut season (2017–18), Aluko quickly integrated into the team, making 39 league appearances with 36 starts, contributing two goals and four assists as Reading finished 20th in the Championship, avoiding relegation. His first goal for the club came on 31 October 2017 in a 3–1 home win over Nottingham Forest, a powerful 78th-minute strike initially recorded as an own goal by Forest goalkeeper Jordan Smith but later officially credited to Aluko by the EFL.[38] He followed this with another goal three days later in a 4–2 away victory against Derby County on 4 November, finishing a cross from John Swift to help secure a crucial early-season boost.[39] A third league goal arrived on 30 March 2018 in a 1–0 win over Queens Park Rangers, where Aluko's solo effort from the edge of the box sealed a vital result in Reading's fight against the drop.[40] Overall, across all competitions that year, he featured in 43 matches, providing versatility on the wings and in attacking midfield. Aluko's role diminished in the 2018–19 season amid managerial changes and increased competition, limiting him to 19 league appearances (13 starts), one goal, and one assist as Reading again finished mid-table in 13th place. In February 2019, seeking more playing time, he was loaned to Chinese Super League side Beijing Renhe for the remainder of the year, where he made 13 appearances and scored twice before returning to Reading in January 2020.[41] Upon his return, opportunities remained sporadic; in the 2019–20 season, abbreviated by the COVID-19 pandemic, he played just two league matches without scoring. The 2020–21 campaign saw Aluko revive his form under manager Veljko Paunović, appearing in 33 league games (nine starts) and netting two goals with two assists, including a notable strike on 21 November 2020 in a 2–1 win over Derby County that gave Reading a 2–0 halftime lead.[42] Despite these contributions, Reading ended the season in 15th. Over his entire tenure, Aluko made 93 Championship appearances for Reading, scoring five goals and providing seven assists, while totaling around 102 outings across all competitions with seven goals. His contract expired at the end of June 2021, and he departed as a free agent to join Ipswich Town in League One on 6 August 2021.[24][43]Ipswich Town
Aluko joined Ipswich Town on a free transfer from Reading on 6 August 2021, signing a one-year deal as the club's 12th summer signing.[44] He made his debut four days later as a substitute in a 2–2 EFL Cup draw against Newport County.[45] His first league outing came on 28 August 2021, substituting in a 2–2 draw with AFC Wimbledon in League One.[46] Early in his Ipswich tenure, Aluko found the net for the first time on 16 October 2021, scoring a brace in a 2–2 EFL Trophy draw at Cambridge United.[47] Three days later, he added his third goal for the club in a 4–0 League One victory over Portsmouth, contributing to a strong start for new manager Paul Cook.[48] These strikes highlighted his versatility as a forward capable of playing across the attacking line, drawing on his experience from previous clubs. In the 2022–23 promotion campaign under Kieran McKenna, Aluko featured in 19 matches, providing depth and leadership while scoring once, as Ipswich secured automatic promotion to the Championship with a second-place finish.[47] His contributions extended beyond the pitch, with his mentorship valued in the squad's development. This impact led to a one-year contract extension in June 2023, despite limited starts.[49] During the 2023–24 Championship season, Aluko made 7 appearances without scoring, often as a substitute in Ipswich's run to the play-offs.[46] He announced his retirement from professional football on 6 May 2024, at age 35, having amassed 62 appearances and four goals across all competitions for the Blues.[50]International career
England youth teams
Aluko represented England at youth international level, earning caps across multiple age groups during his formative years as a footballer. He began with the under-16 team in 2004, making four appearances without scoring.[46] He progressed to the under-17 side in 2005–2006, where he featured in three matches, including a friendly against Haiti during the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship qualifiers.[46] In 2006, Aluko played once for the England under-18 team in a match against Belgium.[46] His involvement culminated with the under-19 team in 2007–2008, where he appeared in three games, comprising friendlies against Germany and Russia as preparation for UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers.[46] Overall, these experiences in the England youth setup provided Aluko with valuable exposure before he opted to switch allegiance to Nigeria in 2009.[31]Nigeria national team
Aluko, born in England to Nigerian parents, opted to represent Nigeria at the senior international level after featuring for England's youth teams from under-16 to under-19 levels.[51] After switching allegiance, he also represented Nigeria at youth levels, earning three caps for the Nigeria U20 team at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup and one cap for the Nigeria U23 team in 2011. His decision aligned with his heritage, and he received his first senior call-up in May 2009.[52] He made his debut for the Super Eagles on 29 May 2009 in a 1–1 friendly draw against the Republic of Ireland at Craven Cottage, London, where he started and nearly scored with a long-range free-kick that forced a save from Shay Given.[53] After a period of limited involvement, Aluko returned to the squad in 2012, earning his second cap as a late substitute in a 2–0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory over Rwanda on 16 June 2012 in Calabar.[54] Aluko's most prominent contributions came during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in 2014. He featured in four matches that year: a goalless draw against South Africa on 10 September in Cape Town, a 3–1 home win over Sudan on 15 October where he substituted in the 63rd minute, a 2–0 away victory against the Republic of the Congo on 15 November where he started, and the decisive 2–2 home draw versus South Africa on 19 November in Uyo.[52] In the final match, as a substitute, he scored both goals for Nigeria—a 69th-minute strike to halve the deficit and a 90th-minute equalizer—salvaging a point but ultimately failing to secure qualification for the tournament, as Nigeria finished third in Group A behind Congo and South Africa.[55] These were his only senior international goals. His final cap came on 25 March 2015 in a 0–1 friendly defeat to Uganda at Akwa Ibom Stadium, Uyo, where he substituted in the 65th minute.[56] Over his international career, Aluko earned seven caps and scored two goals between 2009 and 2015, primarily operating as a winger or forward.[52] He did not feature in major tournaments but contributed to qualification efforts for the Africa Cup of Nations.Coaching career
Ipswich Town
Following his retirement from playing in May 2024, Aluko joined Ipswich Town as a first-team coach under manager Kieran McKenna on 9 July 2024.[57][3]Personal life
Family background
Sone Aluko was born on 19 February 1989 in Hounslow, England, to Nigerian parents Daniel Olugbenga Aluko and Sileola Aluko.[58][59] His father, Daniel, hailed from Ekiti State in Nigeria and had a background in politics, serving as a member of parliament there before the family relocated to England.[60][58] Daniel was also an amateur footballer, having played as a striker for non-league club Carshalton Athletic in his youth, which influenced the family's strong affinity for the sport.[58][61] The family moved from Lagos, Nigeria, to Birmingham, England, when Sone's older sister Eniola was six months old, settling in a working-class estate where football became central to their upbringing.[59][58] Aluko grew up in a football-oriented household as one of two siblings, with his sister Eniola Aluko, born in 1987 in Lagos, emerging as a key influence and role model.[58] Eniola, who went on to become an England international with over 100 caps and a successful career in women's football, often outshone Sone in their early years, fostering a competitive yet supportive sibling dynamic.[58][61] The Alukos were avid Manchester United supporters, with family discussions frequently revolving around matches, and Daniel's political experiences in Nigeria provided a broader cultural context for the children's dual heritage.[58][62] Tragically, Daniel passed away in November 2021, an event that deeply affected Sone during his playing career.[63][64]Citizenship and heritage
Omatsone Folarin Aluko, known as Sone Aluko, was born on 19 February 1989 in Hounslow, London, England, granting him British citizenship by birth.[65][60] He also holds Nigerian citizenship through descent, as both of his parents are Nigerian nationals who immigrated to the United Kingdom.[66] This dual nationality allowed him the option to represent either England or Nigeria in international football, a choice he ultimately made in favor of Nigeria after playing for England's youth teams up to the under-19 level.[58] Aluko's heritage is rooted in Nigeria, where his family originates. His father, Daniel Aluko, hails from Ekiti State in southwestern Nigeria and was a former politician as well as a talented footballer who played as a striker for the English non-league club Carshalton Athletic.[58][60] The family relocated to England before Aluko's birth, with his older sister Eniola born in Lagos, Nigeria, prior to the move; the siblings were raised in Birmingham, England, in a household deeply immersed in football and Nigerian cultural traditions.[67] This Nigerian background significantly influenced Aluko's decision to embrace his paternal heritage by committing to the Super Eagles, Nigeria's senior national team, with his debut in 2009.[66][68]Career statistics
Club appearances and goals
Sone Aluko's club career spanned multiple leagues in Scotland, England, and China, where he accumulated 495 appearances and 62 goals across all competitions. The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by club:| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham City | 2005–2008 | 1 | 0 |
| Aberdeen | 2007–2011 | 127 | 13 |
| Blackpool (loan) | 2008 | 2 | 0 |
| Rangers | 2011–2012 | 23 | 12 |
| Hull City | 2012–2016 | 108 | 15 |
| Fulham | 2016–2017 | 54 | 9 |
| Reading | 2017–2021 | 102 | 6 |
| Beijing Renhe (loan) | 2019 | 16 | 3 |
| Ipswich Town | 2021–2024 | 62 | 4 |
International appearances and goals
Aluko earned seven caps for the Nigeria national team between 2009 and 2015, during which he scored two goals.[70] His international career began with a substitute appearance in a 1–1 friendly draw against Ireland on 29 May 2009 at Craven Cottage in London, where he entered the match in the 61st minute but did not score.[71] After a three-year hiatus, he returned for a 2–0 away victory over Rwanda in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on 16 June 2012.[70] Aluko's most notable contributions came during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in 2014. He featured in four matches that year, starting with a goalless draw against South Africa on 10 September, followed by a 3–1 home win over Sudan on 15 October.[70] On 15 November, he started in a 2–0 away triumph against Congo, helping Nigeria secure vital points despite a challenging away fixture. His goals arrived two days later in a dramatic 2–2 home draw versus South Africa on 19 November at the Uyo International Stadium; Aluko scored in the 68th minute to halve the deficit after Nigeria trailed 2–0, and he netted the equalizer in the 94th minute following a red card to South Africa's Reneilwe Letsholonyane, ensuring Nigeria remained in contention for qualification despite ultimately failing to advance to the tournament.[72][55] Aluko's final international appearance was as a substitute in a 1–0 friendly loss to Uganda on 25 March 2015 at the Akwa Ibom Stadium, where he entered in the 65th minute but could not influence the outcome as Farouk Miya scored the winner for the visitors.[70][73] Despite his limited caps, often hampered by injuries and competition for places in the squad, Aluko's performances in the 2014 qualifiers highlighted his potential as a versatile forward for the Super Eagles.[74]Honours
Club honours
Sone Aluko contributed to several notable team achievements during his club career, primarily through promotions and a major cup final appearance, though he did not secure any major trophies. Hull City- Football League Championship runners-up (promoted to the Premier League): 2012–13. Aluko made 36 appearances and scored 8 goals in the league during the promotion-winning campaign.[75][76]
- FA Cup runners-up: 2013–14. He came on as a substitute in the final against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium, which Hull lost 3–2 after extra time.[77][78]
- EFL League One runners-up (promoted to the Championship): 2022–23. Aluko featured in 19 matches across all competitions during the season that secured automatic promotion.[47][79]
- EFL Championship runners-up (promoted to the Premier League): 2023–24. Aluko made 3 appearances in the league during the promotion-winning campaign.[80][1]