Leyton Orient are close to striking a deal to complete their latest January transfer, with a Championship player set to move to the League One side.
Richie Wellens’ side have transformed their season over the last few weeks, turning themselves from the bottom four into a side firmly in contention to reach the play-off places.
Similarly, the club recently overcame Championship side Derby County on penalties to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they will host reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Their play-off aspirations are set to be backed by the board as the club close in on the permanent addition of a midfielder.
According to journalist Tom Coleman, Leyton Orient are closing in on the signing of Swansea City midfielder Azeem Abdulai on a permanent deal, following an agreement between the two clubs.
How has he fared this season?
Abdulai joined Swansea City at youth level from Premier League side Leicester City in 2021, but burst onto the first-team scene in recent seasons.
Under the management of Luke Williams, Abdulai has been a regular feature for Swansea City as a substitute in the Championship, featuring 17 times and scoring his only goal during a 3-0 win against Preston North End in August.
He’s also made three additional cup appearances but hasn’t managed to contribute to a goal.
A sign of ambition?
Despite the 22-year-old being out of favour in recent weeks, Abdulai has been a regular in the Championship this season – so a permanent move to League One is likely to be seen as a huge sign of ambition from the Leyton Orient supporters.
Orient currently sit eighth in League One, just three points shy of the top six and are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, which is likely seen as an attractive prospect for potential new recruits.
Similarly, he’s under contract with the Championship side which suggests that Leyton Orient may have paid a fee for him – which is another sign of ambition being shown from the League One side in terms of their quest to finish in the top six this season.