Welsh U21 international Ed Turns has returned to Leyton Orient on a season-long loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, the club has announced.
Turns made his professional debut for the Seagulls almost two years ago in the Carabao Cup, having spent several years developing on the South Coast.
Nevertheless, in January 2023, the young centre-back went out on loan for the first time in his career as Richie Wellens’ Leyton Orient came calling.
The central defender’s loan spell at Brisbane Road couldn’t have gone any better as the O’s reached promotion to League One as champions of the fourth division while Turns made 16 appearances, scoring twice.
Upon return to Brighton, the 20-year-old signed a new deal with the Premier League side, keeping him at the club until 2025 with the option of extending his contract by a further year.
Turns is not the only Brighton youngster to be loaned out to League One as Marc Leonard has also reunited with Northampton Town ahead of the new campaign.
David Weir’s comments
Brighton’s technical director David Weir spoke about Turns ahead of his return to Leyton Orient [via Sussex Live]:
“Ed had a great few months with Orient last season; he went straight into the team and played an important role as they were promoted.
“This is an ideal move for Ed as he gets to challenge himself in a higher league and in an environment he’s already familiar with.”
Writer’s View
Brighton have been smart to loan Marc Leonard and Ed Turns out to the same clubs as last season, albeit in an even more difficult league, although luck certainly played its part given that both Orient and Northampton Town were promoted at the same time.
The youngsters know the clubs well, having spent time there last term, so there will be no difficulties settling in. However, the increased quality in League One will be a tough test, especially for Turns against some pretty physical opposing strikers.
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