Leyton Orient seek experienced players before transfer deadline closes
Head coach Richie Wellens says the squad needs reinforcements to compete in League One this season.
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Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens has said the squad needs one or two experienced players before the summer transfer window closes. The team began their League One campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at Brisbane Road on 3 August 2024.
Wellens told BBC Radio London that the first-half performance against AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Trophy was "poor" and "boring". He wants to avoid a pattern of inconsistent results as the season progresses.
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Defender Somto Boniface, on loan from Ipswich Town, is expected to be unavailable for eight to ten weeks. Wellens said Boniface had made a strong impact since joining and his absence leaves a gap at left-back.
The manager also said he is short of options in central midfield. He described the need for an "eight", a midfielder who can control the tempo of matches. The transfer window for permanent signings closes at 23:00 on 1 September 2024.
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What happens next
Leyton Orient will continue their League One campaign with a home match against Bolton Wanderers on 17 August 2024. The club has not confirmed any incoming or outgoing transfers, but Wellens indicated that any deals will depend on players leaving the squad.
We need one or two more players that are ready for the here and now. But it's probably going to depend on if we can get some out.
Richie Wellens, Leyton Orient head coach
Questions this report answers
+Why does Leyton Orient need new players?
Richie Wellens said the squad lacks experience and consistency. The team lost their League One opener and has an injury to defender Somto Boniface, leaving gaps at left-back and midfield. The transfer window closes on 1 September 2024.
+How long will Somto Boniface be out?
Somto Boniface is expected to miss eight to ten weeks due to injury. He had been on loan from Ipswich Town and was a key player for Leyton Orient before the setback.
+When does the transfer window close?
The summer transfer window for permanent signings in English football closes at 23:00 on 1 September 2024. Leyton Orient must complete any deals before then.
+Who did Leyton Orient lose to in their League One opener?
Leyton Orient lost 2-0 to Sheffield Wednesday at Brisbane Road on 3 August 2024. The result was their first league match of the 2024-25 season.
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