Leyton Orient eyeing up 27-year-old winger after Plymouth Argyle transfer snub | OneFootball

Owen Dale's future is up in the air following the expiration of his Oxford United contract

Leyton Orient narrowly avoided relegation to League Two last season, just 12 months on from reaching the play-off final.

The east London outfit lost to Charlton Athletic at Wembley Stadium in 2025 after coming sixth in the standings - that was after disposing of Stockport County at the semi-final stage.

However, Richie Wellens’ side struggled for form in 2025/26 as they suffered a big hangover from their loss to the Addicks.

The O’s survived by just three points as they finished 20th in the table, just ahead of Exeter City, with the prolific nature of Dom Ballard's work in-front of goal helping them in a big way to survive.

Leyton Orient will now be keen to bolster their squad over the summer in order to climb back up the League One table in the season ahead.

The club will have until September 1 to complete any of their transfer business before the market shuts for the remainder of the calendar year.

Leyton Orient make Owen Dale approach

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It has been reported by Alan Nixon that Leyton Orient are in talks with Owen Dale over a contract, after he turned down an offer to stay with Plymouth Argyle permanently.

The 27-year-old is now a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Oxford United, following the end of his loan stint with the Pilgrims.

The Devon outfit were keen to keep the former U's player on a permanent basis, but his demands could not be met by Tom Cleverley's side.

However, it’s believed that the player’s wages could also be too much for Leyton Orient - who are keen to bolster their wide options over the summer - to pay as well.

Dale contributed with one goal and three assists in Tom Cleverley’s side last season, having made 28 appearances in League One.

The wide-man is a versatile asset, and can play across both wings in a more advanced or deeper role as a wing-back.

Dale made the move to the Pilgrims last summer on loan from Oxford United after spending the second half of the previous campaign on loan with Wigan Athletic.

He fell down the pecking order of the U’s after their promotion to the Championship, and this led to him going out on loan twice in quick succession.

But the ex-Crewe Alexandra academy graduate is now looking for his next permanent move, and he could be an option for Leyton Orient.

While the club are in talks with Dale, no agreement has yet been reached, and it remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck.

Leyton Orient have already confirmed the signings of Tony Springett, Nathan Baxter, Fin Stevens and Armando Dobra in the summer transfer market, and are looking to make Dale signing number five.

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It was an extremely disappointing season for Wellens’ side last year, but the club have stuck by him and are now backing him in the transfer window.

The signing of Dale would be just the latest in a busy start to the summer, with the O’s looking to get back up the League One table.

The 27-year-old would bolster their wide options, and give them a versatile asset with plenty of experience at this level, including promotion success.

While it’s unlikely he will transform Leyton Orient, he could still prove a very useful player to have in the dressing room, if a deal can be done to sign him.