Fellow League One side Leyton Orient have joined the race to sign departing Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Tyreeq Bakinson on a free transfer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 25-year-old has already attracted interest from two other League One sides but now the O’s have joined the chase to sign the midfielder following his loan stint at Charlton Athletic last season.
Which sides are currently interested in Bakinson?
Pete O’Rourke has claimed that both Leyton Orient and Wycombe Wanderers are in the race to sign the midfielder this summer as the race for his signature continues to heat up.
However, Football Transfers have also claimed that Charlton Athletic are keen to re-sign Bakinson on a permanent contract, following the conclusion of his loan spell at the football club under new boss Nathan Jones.
Bakinson is available on a free transfer after he was released by Championship side Sheffield Wednesday following confirmation of their survival in the second tier.
How did Bakinson fair last season?
The midfielder had a difficult start to the 2023/24 season, making just ten appearances for Sheffield Wednesday in all competitions, with his final goal for the club arriving during an EFL Cup match against League Two champions Stockport County.
As a result of his lack of game time, Bakinson was loaned out to Charlton Athletic during the January transfer window. Under Nathan Jones, Bakinson 15 appearances in League One, scoring once.
Would Leyton Orient be a good fit for Bakinson?
With all three interested teams being based in or around the London area, it suggests that relocating back to the capital won’t be an issue for the midfielder, hence becoming a transfer boost for the clubs involved.
Leyton Orient spent the majority of the season in the top half of League One and gave themselves an outside opportunity at the play-off places before their form jeopardised their chances of securing a top-six finish.
Despite retaining the likes of Ethan Galbraith, George Moncur and Max Sanders – the interest in Bakinson suggests that Richie Wellens is keen to add to his arsenal of midfielders ahead of the 2024/25 League One campaign.
After ending his previous campaign on a high, Bakinson is likely to continue enjoying regular exposure to first-team football once again in League One and all three sides could create a strong case behind the midfielder joining their side.