Leyton Orient have signed midfielder, Alex Gilbert on a free transfer following his release from Middlesbrough in June 2026.
Gilbert had been without a club since his contract at Middlesbrough expired on 30 June after having scored three goals in 47 appearances across the last three seasons.
During his time at Boro, Gilbert enjoyed a loan stint at Charlton Athletic in the second half of the 2024-25 season as the Addicks won promotion via League One Play-Offs, in which he made 14 appearances overall and was involved in two of their play-off matches.
The 24-year-old has now returned to London after he signed a three-year contract with Orient and has vowed to bring creativity to their midfield.
“I’m a creative midfielder that can drop deep but also be box-to-box as well. I have had some really good conversations with the manager about his plans for me and plans for the club. That really excited me.
“It is important for me to join the right club for the next stage of my career and I was happy to be patient to make sure I made the right decision. I spoke to a number of clubs over the summer and believe that Orient is the best place for me. I can’t wait to get started.”
Orient’s Head Coach, Richie Wellens added: “Alex has proved in recent years that he can be a really good player at this level. He is a threat from set-plays, in terms of his delivery from dead-ball situations, and he can play as either an eight or a ten.
“He is another good character and I had some good conversations with him on the phone about where I see him making an impact for us. He asked a lot of questions about us as well, which I always like. He is confident in his ability and is a player of good value already. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Gilbert began his career with West Bromwich Albion at youth level before he joined Brentford in September 2020 and made his first senior appearances in that season’s FA Cup, which proved to be his only outings for the Bees.
Gilbert also tasted success in his spell at Brentford won the 2021-22 London Senior Cup and 2022-23 Premier League Cup with Brentford’s B Team
During his time in West London, he was loaned out to Swindon but only made 12 appearances in the first half of the 2021-22 season before his loan was terminated in January 2022, and subsequently moved to Middlesbrough in July 2023.
Gilbert will be available for Orient’s League One trip to Luton Town on Saturday 5 September 2026.
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