Leyton Orient had a busy weekend in the transfer market with the arrivals of Idris El Mizouni and Michael Craig while Ethan Galbraith joined Swansea City.
Tunisian international El Mizouni joins the O’s in a permanent capacity, becoming the club’s record transfer, after spending two seasons on loan at Brisbane Road earlier in his career.
WIth 89 appearances and five goals already to his name for the side, the dynamic midfielder needs no introduction to Orient fans and has signed a three year deal.
Speaking to club media, El Mizouni expressed his delight at coming back.
“I’m delighted. I’m very, very happy to be back, and I’m looking forward to the new season.
“The club means a lot to me. When I first came here, I was a young man, and I feel like I grew up a lot here, as a player and as a man.
“Everything about the club, from the coaches, players, and fans, is special. I feel like I played my best football here under the Gaffer, and I’ve got a great relationship with the fans too. It’s a family club, and that’s what I want and need.”
22 year old right back Michael Craig has also joined Orient after spending two seasons with Reading, initially developing in the academies of both Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton.
A Scottish under 21 international, he has signed a two year deal, with a club option of a third year, and is looking to add to the 30 League One appearances he made in the 2024/25 campaign.
Speaking to his new club’s media, he enthused.
“I’m buzzing to be here and I can’t wait to get started. I feel like I have learned a lot in my time at Reading, and I’m excited to bring that here to Leyton Orient.
“When you look at what he (Richie) has done with younger players, I really believe that he can bring the best out of me and help me reach my maximum potential.
“I spoke to Jamie Donley last year, who I know from our time at Spurs, and he was very complimentary of everything here, and that made my decision easier.”
One departure from Orient is former Manchester United midfielder Ethan Galbraith, who joins Swansea City in a record transfer fee received by Leyton Orient. The Northern Irish international represented Orient 96 times and found the net on 11 occasions since joining the club in 2023. Club chairman Nigel Travis, Director of Football Martin Ling and Head Coach Richie Wellens all commended the player highly for the impact he had on the club and wished him well for the future.
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