Leyton Orient are expected to miss out on the signing of midfielder Tyreeq Bakinson, with the midfielder close to a move to Wycombe Wanderers according to journalist Pete O’Rourke on Twitter (X).
Bakinson is now a free agent following his release from Sheffield Wednesday this summer and it could be a good piece of business by Wycombe given he is valued at around the £425,000 mark by Transfermarkt.
Despite being 25, Bakinson has 148 EFL appearances to his name, appearing in all three divisions for the likes of Bristol City, Newport County and the aforementioned Sheffield Wednesday. After making 26 appearances during the latter’s 2022/23 play-off winning season, Bakinson has since fallen out of favour at the club and would make just eight appearances in the Championship last season.
Following the appointment of Danny Rohl as manager, the midfielder only fell further down the pecking order at Hillsborough and would in fact be loaned out to Charlton Athletic for the second half of the season. He’d end up making 15 appearances for the Addicks, ten of those being starts although he potentially didn’t quite make the impact that was desired.
Nonetheless at the age of 25, and available on a free transfer, it could be a bit of a coup by Wycombe, who are fending off League One rivals Leyton Orient in the process to sign him. It had been previously reported by the Football Insider that the two clubs were battling it out for his signature but it has now been revealed that it is the Wanderers are the ones who are expected to sign him.
It is somewhat of a blow for the O’s given that Bakinson would bring proven League One quality to the table however there are plenty of other options who they could pursue in the same position.
After a very strong return to the third tier, where they’d finish 11th, Orient will be hoping to be in and around the same area next term in what could potentially be described as a more open renewal.
Writer’s View
The pickup of Bakinson on a free would represent some good business by Wycombe who will know that they’ll be getting a quality player to add to their midfield ranks. It potentially didn’t quite go to plan during his loan move at Charlton however a permanent change of scenery may get the best out of him.
Wycombe would finish the season incredibly strongly, pipping Orient to 10th place as a result and there seems to be something building under Matt Bloomfield despite one or two rocky periods. It can be expected that the 25-year-old would be a starter at Adams Park and he could well become a key man in the heart of the midfield.
Senior Editor
