Milli Alli has completed a loan move from Luton Town to Portsmouth for the remainder of the season, bringing an end to his spell on the sidelines at Kenilworth Road and giving the winger the chance to play regular football.
The 25-year-old has not featured in a match-day squad for the Hatters since being substituted at half time against Port Vale in mid December and was again absent last night as Town boss Jack Wilshere selected five academy players in the squad that lost 2-1 at home in the Vertu Trophy to Swindon.
With the January transfer window open, the Luton manager had already signalled that a temporary move could be the right solution at this stage of Alli’s career.
The Irishman departs just a year after arriving in a permanent switch from Exeter City when he quickly became one of the standout performers during a difficult run-in, scoring four Championship goals as Luton battled unsuccessfully against relegation from the Championship.
This season he has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Luton, scoring once in the 3-0 win at Burton, but found opportunities limited following the form of Cohen Bramall and Shayden Morris, as well as the arrival of Emilio Lawrence on loan from Manchester City.
Speaking last week, Wilshere acknowledged both Alli’s situation and the need for him to be playing regularly.
“I think Milli has to play football. Milli definitely has to play football,” he told The Lutonian. “He’s not a young player who can dip in, dip out. He’s at an age where he probably feels like this is his time, this is his moment and I think we have to be open to something like that [a loan move].”
Wilshere had also stressed that Alli’s recent absence was about selection rather than attitude, praising his professionalism despite limited minutes.
“I like Milli. I think Milli’s a top guy, he’s got a top attitude,” he said. “I know he needs to play games and he’ll want to play games and it’s been difficult for him, but it’s just been a selection thing.”
Portsmouth, who are currently 21st in the Championship, have moved quickly to secure Alli as their first signing of the January window. Blues boss John Mousinho said the club had long admired the winger and highlighted his impact at Exeter and Luton.
“He impressed for Exeter before joining Luton, where he was a shining light during what was a difficult back end to last season,” Mousinho told Portsmouth’s website. “We’ve brought in a player who has experience of Championship football and is comfortable on either flank, as well as centrally.”
Alli, who came through the ranks at Bury and built his reputation in non-league football before lifting the FA Trophy with Halifax Town at Wembley in 2023, will now look to rediscover his form and confidence on the south coast.
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