Our summer 2025 transfer activity wrapped up with the arrival of Lewis Orford; the young midfielder joining on loan for the season. We’re sure we read somewhere on the app once known as Twitter that a January break clause was in place as part of the deal. But it’s academic, really. The lad was in the door and part of a Boro’ side that had made a pretty ace start to the 2025-6 campaign. And he came to us as someone held in high regard for his talent and prospects. So, that only boded well for us as the season took shape.

Lewis Orford: Before Boro’

At the age of 19, Orford hadn’t really much senior experience to draw upon. Mind you, what he did have was nothing to be sniffed at. He made his Premier League debut in January 2025, having turned pro at the London Stadium nearly two years beforehand. In his time with the Hammers too, Orford was a candidate for 2024-5 Premier League 2 Player of the Season. There was also an FA Youth Cup success to speak of. And that’s before we get to international recognition for the midfielder; earning caps at U16, U18, and U19 level for England.