Opinion: Leyton Orient should consider reunion swoop for defender amid L1 rivals' announcement
07/05/2024 13:47
Leyton Orient are gearing up for the summer transfer window and with the right signings, they might just be in play-off contention next season.
Leyton Orient impressed on their return to League One football and Richie Wellens will be hoping they can take further strides forward in the 2024/25 campaign.
The O’s finished comfortably in mid-table, 11th in the League One table. There was a brief spell where they looked to be on the outskirts of play-off contention amid a strong run of form, though it petered out.
The recent retained list announcement confirmed there are a number of players moving on this summer though, paving the way for fresh additions at Brisbane Road.
The defensive ranks will be changing with Ethan Light moving on, as is the versatile Rob Hunt. Jack Simpson and Dan Happe may yet leave with their deals up, although talks are ongoing over new contracts for the pair.
Either way, the gap looks to have opened up for another centre-back signing, and former Leyton Orient favourite Marvin Ekpiteta will be available for nothing.
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.
Ekpiteta will have plenty of admirers as a result, and Leyton Orient should be among them.
It was the O’s who offered him a big move up the ladder when signing him from East Thurrock in January 2018 and he would play a key role in their promotion back to the EFL. The move to Blackpool was a deserved one, offering Ekpiteta the chance to test himself in the Championship and third-tier.
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.
Time will tell what options open up to Ekpiteta, but his release should certainly pique his former club’s interests.
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