Leyton Orient has officially drawn a line under their 2024/25 campaign, announcing a significant overhaul of their first-team squad. The club confirmed the departure of eight players, including long-serving figures, while crucial negotiations have begun with six others in a bid to shape the team for the future.
In a detailed retained list published on the club’s official website, Leyton Orient has laid out its plans for the summer, signaling a period of transition at Brisbane Road. The decisions, described as “tough” by Head Coach Richie Wellens, will see a blend of established names and emerging talent moving on.
Among the notable departures are Jayden Sweeney, a product of the club’s academy, and veteran midfielder Darren Pratley. Director of Football Martin Ling gave a special mention to Sweeney, stating, “He has been with us since he was a boy and is a brilliant human being and player. He now needs to be playing regular football and I hope he can get that at a new club.”
Regarding the 39-year-old Pratley, a new playing contract has not been offered, but the club is keen to retain his influence. “Darren Pratley has been a huge part of what we have achieved in the last few years,” Ling explained. “We won’t be offering him a new playing contract but would love to keep him in and around us, so are speaking to him about another role.”
The full list of players leaving upon the expiration of their contracts includes Jayden Sweeney, Randell Williams, Joe Pigott, Sam Howes, Darren Pratley, Rhys Byrne, Reon Smith-Kouassi, and Thomas Avgoustidis.
The club also confirmed that key discussions are underway with Jack Simpson, Dan Agyei, Dom Ball, Omar Beckles, Noah Phillips, and Makai Welch regarding new deals. Ling expressed his hope that these players will commit their futures to the club, stating, “We are building something good at the club and want them to continue being part of it. It is a very important summer for us, and all the decisions we have made… have been made with the future of Leyton Orient in mind.”
Head Coach Richie Wellens praised the departing players for their commitment. “This group has been special – one of the best I have ever worked with as a player or manager – and that makes these decisions even tougher,” he said. “I can only thank them for their service to our football club. They have played a huge role in our climb up the ladder, and I wish them all the very best for the future.”
In a compassionate move, the club has confirmed that Jordan Graham and Theo Archibald, both sidelined with injuries, will continue their rehabilitation with full access to the training ground and support staff, regardless of their future contract status.
The O’s will also see five loan players—Jack Currie, Jamie Donley, Charlie Kelman, Josh Keeley, and Dilan Markanday—return to their respective parent clubs after successful temporary spells.
On a more settled note, fourteen first-team players remain under contract for the upcoming season, including Ethan Galbraith, whose contract option was exercised, tying him to the club until the summer of 2026. He joins the likes of Tom James, Dan Happe, and Sonny Perkins in the confirmed squad.
The club also looked to the future, announcing that U18s players Phil Chinedu, Dan Carter, and Anduan Hajdini have all signed their first professional contracts.
In other news, Sheffield United and Swansea City Reportedly Pursuing Leyton Orient’s Player.
