One of the most underrated League One promotion challengers, Stevenage, are looking to further improve their lineup with a West Ham United academy talent’s signature.
Lewis Orford is reportedly on his way to Stevenage – according to Jacob Steinberg. In a five-year development with the academy side, Orford has appeared 151 times over spells with the under 18s and the academy. West Ham are looking to reward their prospect with a third tier move, seemingly revealing his professionalism and ability in an inaugural loan deal.
The midfielder has scored 29 times despite primarily being a box-to-box or holding player. Orford has featured for England at under-16 through to under-19 level and scored once in four appearances during the U19 Euro Championship Qualification stage.
Orford has featured twice in the Premier League, both of which came last season. Graham Potter is looking to continue the 19-year-old’s development with the club elsewhere. The midfielder will be joining Alex Revell’s side – who currently sit in 2nd place behind an exceptional Cardiff City side.
Stevenage have won five of their opening six league matches, only falling to big-spenders Huddersfield Town in a 1-0 defeat. Elimination from the EFL Cup – in a 3-1 loss to Charlton Athletic – gives the Boro a perfect focus on the league campaign.
Writer’s View
This signing is brilliant for all parties. West Ham will continue to develop a homegrown talent with high future value to their squad or to demand a profit. Orford will get the much-needed professional exposure in the third tier and will be surrounded by great players for the level and an excellent manager in Revell.
Stevenage’s primary attribute is solidity in defence. Carl Piergianni, Charlie Goode and Filip Marschall have formed an excellent back three in defence and goal. Orford will likely partner Jordan Houghton in a midfield two or three and learn from an experienced leader on the pitch. The West Ham graduate will offer even more stability to an exciting team – this transfer could solidify Stevenage as play-off guarantees rather than merely contenders again.
