Orient break club record to sign El Mizouni

Idris El Mizouni has left Oxford United to join Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient have broken their club transfer fee record to sign Oxford United midfielder Idris El Mizouni.

The O's added El Mizouni to their squad on the day they also signed Reading full-back Michael Craig for an undisclosed fee.

El Mizouni spent two seasons on loan at Brisbane Road from Ipswich Town, helping the U's to promotion from League Two in 2022-23 and then playing regularly the following season, form which saw newly-promoted Oxford to sign him last summer.

The Tunisia international played 28 times for the Championship side but has been allowed to leave and sign a three-year contract with Orient.

Manager Richie Wellens told the Orient club website: "I've always loved him as a footballer, and we didn't want to lose him at the end of last season.

"He's a brilliant signing for us, and we know that the fans will love him. Iddy's signing comes at a good time in our pre-season. For me, he is one of the best midfielders in this league."

Craig has agreed a two-year deal with the O's despite being offered a new contract by Reading.

He started his career with Tottenham but failed to break into the first team before joining the Royals on a free transfer in 2022.

He made 60 league appearances for the Berkshire club, scoring two goals.

"Michael is someone who I have watched a lot," Wellens added.

"He's a right-back who can play elsewhere on the pitch too, and he's really comfortable on the ball. We're really happy to have him on board."