Swansea City have struck a deal to sign Leyton Orient star Ethan Galbraith, seeing off competition from several EFL rivals for the midfielder’s signature.
The 24-year-old Northern Ireland international is set to move to South Wales in a £1.5 million transfer, pending final confirmation.
Galbraith Poised for Championship Step Up After Leyton Orient Success
According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Swansea have agreed a fee with Leyton Orient for Galbraith, with personal terms already settled. He is expected to become the club’s fifth summer signing as Alan Sheehan continues rebuilding the squad in his first transfer window as permanent boss.
Swansea City have agreed a £1.5m deal to sign Leyton Orient central midfielder Ethan Galbraith.
It’s understood the Northern Ireland international has also agreed personal terms with the Championship club.
The 24yo scored 6 goals & provided 8 assists last season.#SCAFC #LOFC pic.twitter.com/gaR96trPE5
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) July 2, 2025
Sheehan earned the job after a steady stint as caretaker and has wasted no time strengthening his options. Galbraith’s arrival follows moves for Cameron Burgess, Bobby Wales and others, reflecting a clear desire to rejuvenate the squad following last season’s bottom-half finish in the Championship.
Galbraith had been attracting significant attention after an impressive season in League One with Orient. He registered six goals and seven assists in the 2024/25 campaign and consistently ranked among the club’s top performers, helping them to a strong mid-table finish.
Former Manchester United Prospect Ready for Fresh Start
A former Manchester United academy graduate, Galbraith had been deployed predominantly at right-back by Richie Wellens, but he is expected to return to his natural central midfield role at Swansea. The Swans are understood to view him as a long-term creative option in the middle of the park, particularly given the need to add technical quality and depth in that area.
Though this move will mark Galbraith’s first step into Championship football, he arrives with 70 senior league appearances under his belt and international experience with Northern Ireland. His calmness on the ball, range of passing, and tactical awareness have seen him develop significantly since leaving Old Trafford in 2023.
Writer’s View
This is a statement signing for Swansea City. At £1.5 million, Galbraith represents an investment in both immediate quality and future upside. His performances for Orient showed maturity and versatility, and he now gets the platform to prove himself at a higher level in his preferred position.
Credit must go to Sheehan and the recruitment team for acting quickly to secure him ahead of other suitors. With the right support and game time, Galbraith could become a key player in Swansea’s midfield rebuild and a bargain at this price.
