Leyton Orient are set to land their tenth signing of the summer with Newcastle United midfielder Joe White close to joining on loan.
The 22-year-old looks poised to spend the 2025/26 campaign in League One as Richie Wellens continues to reshape his squad.
Understand Leyton Orient are set to win the race to sign Newcastle midfielder Joe White on loan. #NUFC #lofc pic.twitter.com/RHWtycBfsN
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) July 28, 2025
Joe White Poised for League One Return
White is expected to arrive at the Gaughan Group Stadium on a season-long loan, marking his fifth temporary switch away from St James’ Park. After spells with Hartlepool United, Crewe Alexandra and MK Dons in League Two, and a short stint at Exeter City in League One, the midfielder will be hoping to make a greater impact at a higher level.
During the 2024/25 season with MK Dons, White made 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals and providing two assists. His creativity and composure in possession stood out in a struggling side, and he now has the opportunity to showcase his development further in a promotion-chasing environment.
Leyton Orient came agonisingly close to a return to the Championship last term, reaching the League One play-off final before losing out to Charlton Athletic. Determined to go one better this time, Wellens has already overseen nine new additions as he prepares for another top six push.
Midfield has been a major area of focus, with Demetri Mitchell, Idris El Mizouni, Michael Craig and Tyreeq Bakinson all signed this summer. Lewis Warrington also returns following a loan at Salford City, as Orient move on from the departures of Ethan Galbraith, Jordan Brown and Dominic Ball, plus the retirement of veteran Darren Pratley.
White, who remains under contract with Newcastle until 2027, is unlikely to break into Eddie Howe’s Premier League squad in the immediate future. However, a successful season at Leyton Orient could enhance both his prospects and the O’s promotion ambitions.
Orient begin their League One campaign this weekend, and Wellens is expected to make full use of his new-look midfield, with White likely to be in the mix for early involvement once his arrival is confirmed.
Writer’s View
This looks like a clever move from Richie Wellens. Joe White is at an ideal stage in his career to benefit from the consistency and tactical clarity Leyton Orient provide. His numbers at MK Dons were solid and he is clearly growing into the physical and mental demands of senior football. With the departures from Orient’s midfield this summer, White has a clear route to regular minutes if he performs.
The club’s transfer business has been smart, focused and well-timed, and this deal could end up being one of the most effective if he settles quickly. There is genuine depth now in the middle of the park, which could make all the difference in the push for promotion.
