Idris El Mizouni shot onto the scene this year while on loan with League Two Champions Leyton Orient, however, with the midfielder’s parent club gaining promotion to the Championship, what’s next in store for the youngster?
The 22-year-old was a key factor in the O’s impressive season, which sees them return to League One for the first time in eight years. Winner of Player’s Player and Manager’s Player of the Season at Leyton’s end-of-season awards, El Mizouni has established his name on the footballing scene after a few years of disappointing loans.
Who Is Idris El Mizouni?
Joining Ipswich’s academy in 2017, it didn’t take long for the Tunisian to climb through the ranks, making his debut for the club during a 1-1 draw with Bristol City in March 2019. Playing in the Championship at the time, El Mizouni would go on to feature another three times in the league in what would be a season to forget for Ipswich fans.
Finishing the season 24th and relegated to the third division of English football after 62 years apart, the international joined Cambridge United on loan during the January transfer window. The central midfielder contributed early with a goal in seven appearances before his season was cut short due to injury.
El Mizouni would return to the U’s on loan for the start of the 2020/21 season, however with only 11 league appearances during the first half of the season, Ipswich recalled the midfielder and loaned him to fellow League Two club Grimsby Town. Similar to the season before, El Mizouni was struck with an injury halfway through his loan spell and was ruled out for the season after featuring just six times for the Mariners.
Struggling to consistently get on the pitch due to injuries, the French-born player remained at the Tractor Boys for the following year where he went on to make 12 appearances in all competitions.
Still seeing the potential in the player, Ipswich signed El Mizouni down to another contract where he had his third loan spell in League Two with Leyton Orient. Playing 44 times across the year, Leyton Orient had the best defensive record in the league, conceding only 34 goals as they strolled to become Champions of League Two.
With El Mizouni now returning to his parent club, let’s find out some of the teams who could be fighting over his services.
Ipswich Town
Returning to Ipswich in the Championship, El Mizouni has one year remaining on his current contract, with an option for an additional one-year extension. However, It remains to be seen what Ipswich’s plans are with the player, with El Mizouni having to make a two-division jump if he wants to feature with his long-term parent club.
Suiting more to a defensive-midfielder role, the award winner should be a good fit in Kieran McKenna’s system, despite not regularly featuring when he has been with the club.
Ipswich clearly believes he has potential by keeping him around even after all the disappointing loan spells and next season could be the year the Tunisian breaks in the starting 11.
Leyton Orient
El Mizouni finally got to play consistently with the O’s this season, and it led to the best year in his career. Playing in a deeper midfielder role under manager Richie Wellens, the pair could run it back in a familiar setting but this time in League One.
Keeping one of their best players would be huge for the club, however, it may be hard for the club to secure him permanently. I could see Ipswich being reluctant to loan the midfielder again, so an expensive permanent move would have to be agreed.
Watford
If the Tunisian international wanted to play in the Championship, then Watford could be a great destination for him. Reportedly interested in the League Two champion, Watford finished last season mid-table after relegation from the Premier League.
The complete midfielder should be able to fit into the midfielder of the London club and add good competition. However, putting himself in a difficult situation to succeed with the constant change of management at the Hornets, El Mizouni would truly have to bet on himself if he was to make the jump and succeed.
Derby County
Another club with interest in his services, the Rams are a good middle ground between his two previous clubs. Narrowly missing out on the playoff in League One, Derby will want to avenge this season and push for promotion next year.
With experienced midfielder Conor Hourihane already in the frame, El Mizouni could learn a thing or two from the consistent performer and even play alongside him.
With such a big status as a club, convincing the midfielder should be no problem, but finding the resources to acquire him may come at a hefty cost.
Bristol Rovers
While the relationship between both managers at Rovers and Ipswich may not be great, the Gas could be a good destination for El Mizouni if he wants a step up to League One. With no serious connection between the two parties, former midfielder Joey Barton could be able to teach the Tunisian a thing or two.
With Rovers dropping their retained list and Harry Anderson and Paul Coutts both free to leave the club, a space in midfield has opened up for the League One team. El Mizouni is capable of being a defensive or central midfielder and should be able to develop his game under a well-constructed team.
What are your thoughts on these destinations and where do you think El Mizouni will end up…
