According to the Football Insider, League One side Leyton Orient have registered their interest in Everton defender Reece Welsh.
It was revealed in May, also by the Football Insider, that Everton had given the green light for the 20-year-old to leave on loan. The club reportedly believe that a loan move will be the next stage in the youngster’s development. However, Orient are not the only club interested in Welch’s services, with clubs from both the Eredivisie and the Championship also registering interest of their own.
The Huddersfield-born player spent the latter half of last season on loan at Forest Green Rovers, where he made 23 appearances in all competitions. He returned to Goodison after the Toffees triggered a break clause in the loan deal. Forest Green were ultimately relegated to the National League.
The O’s were impressed by the defender’s performances during his brief time in the EFL and are now ready to offer him a route where he can step up to League One. Richie Wellen’s men finished 11th in the third tier last season, and are looking to avoid second-season syndrome after winning and being promoted from League Two back in 2022/23. The Greater London-based team have not commenced their 2024/25 campaign as anticipated, suffering defeats against Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic in the league.
Leyton Orient have made good use of the loan market so far, bringing the likes of Sonny Perkins, Charlie Kelman, Zach Hemming and Jamie Donley temporarily to Brisbane Road. Diallang Jaiyesimi, Sean Clare and Lewis Warrington all have also linked up at Brisbane Road, but on permanent deals. Warrington, a former Fleetwood Town and Plymouth Argyle loanee has made the move South from the aforementioned Everton.
The former England under-20 international is now set for the next step in his career, with the coaches at Everton believing he can go down the same route as star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who had a successful loan at PSV Eindhoven before breaking into the Toffees first team.
Writer’s View
Orient wanting to strengthen in defence is to be expected. They currently have a lack of cover in the centre-back position, and if there were to be a flurry of injuries in that position, as it stands, the O’s would be in trouble. With how strong League One is this season, Wellens seemingly wants all the bodies he can get, with a long season ahead probable for every club in the third tier.
Although Welch failed to lift Forest Green out of the relegation zone before promptly being recalled, the 20-year-old is highly rated at Goodison, with Leyton Orient, alongside previously mentioned Eredivise and Championship clubs, agreeing.
From Welch’s perspective, agreeing on a loan move to a lower division than what already might be on the table for him could be a smart move. With almost guaranteed game time, Welch now has the opportunity to play, and with the league stronger than ever, he will be given chances to impress.
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