Leyton Orient consider reunion swoop for defender amid L1 rivals’ announcement

With the correct acquisitions, Leyton Orient could very well be in the running for the playoffs the next year as they prepare for the summer transfer window.
After making a strong comeback to League One football, Richie Wellens will be hopeful that Leyton Orient can make even more progress in the 2024–2025 season.

In League One, the O’s ended comfortably in midtable, ranked eleventh. They had a brief period of excellent form during which they appeared to be outside of play-off contention, but that run of play eventually came to an end.

As they get ready for the summer transfer window, Leyton Orient might very well be a contender for the playoffs the following season with the right additions.
Richie Wellens will be optimistic that Leyton Orient will achieve even more success in the 2024–2025 season after mounting a formidable comeback to League One football.

The O’s finished comfortably in midtable, placing twelfth in League One. They appeared to be out of the play-off picture for a little while, but that run of play eventually came to an end. They had a brief spell of outstanding form.

A bargain deal

As confirmed by Blackpool on Tuesday morning, centre-back Ekpiteta is leaving at the end of his deal.

He cut a popular figure at Bloomfield Road with his powerful defensive performances and leadership making him a valuable figure on and off the pitch. The 28-year-old played 40 times this season in what will prove to be his last with the Tangerines.

As such, Ekpiteta will have many supporters, and Leyton Orient ought to be one of them.

When the O’s signed him from East Thurrock in January 2018, they gave him a significant step up the ladder, and he would be crucial to their return to the EFL. It was a well-earned move for Ekpiteta to transfer to Blackpool, where he could test himself in the Championship and third division.

He’s been a great player at this level in recent seasons and as a gap in the Leyton Orient defence opens up, a reunion swoop for Ekpiteta could fill it. The London-born defender may well be tempted closer to home by linking up with a club he has fond memories at. He could become a key player and leader once again, but this time with loftier ambitions at Brisbane Road.