Leyton Orient academy graduate Ruel Sotiriou’s contract expires at the end of the season.
Leyton Orient ace Sotiriou is in some of the most productive form in his career, having managed six goals and two assists in his last nine games.
And, with his contract due to expire in the summer, rival League Two clubs or teams in League One would be foolish not to be at least looking at the 21-year-old.
Sotiriou made his first-team debut for Orient as a substitute in October 2017 against Dagenham & Redbridge and went on to spend time on six different loan spells over the course of the following two-and-a-half seasons. His final one, a period of time spent at National League side Dover Athletic, saw him score a late winner against League One side Southend United live on TV – which saw the teenager recalled to the Orient senior side and eventually sign a new contract in August 2020.
Sotiriou is currently sitting on eight league goals this season having made 29 appearances, with some of those coming from the bench during the first half of the season. New manager Richie Wellens seems to have the Cypriot well and truly firing and full of confidence, which has helped the O’s fall away from the relegation picture.
What has Wellens said?
In the club matchday programme (via Football League World) ahead of a 2-0 win against Barrow, Wellens stated that he doesn’t directly deal in contract negotiations (leaving it with Director of Football Martin Ling instead) – but insisted that Sotiriou was a big part of his plans and is keen to keep him.
He stated:
“I think he’s got a real chance here to become a club hero and build a relationship with the fans.
“He’s one of their own, which I think is important for supporters. At the moment, the supporters are enjoying his performances so why shouldn’t he have another season here, develop, know that he’s going to play, know that he’s loved, know that the supporters love him, and build that relationship.“
It awaits to be seen whether Sotiriou will remain with the club beyond the end of this season, but it seems as though Wellens would be extremely keen to see him extend his deal and continue his development in East London.
Sotiriou is a popular figure among supporters too, so it will be hoped an agreement can be reached over a fresh contract.
