Leyton Orient could repeat Ethan Galbraith success despite Sunderland, West Ham development: View | OneFootball

Leyton Orient beat Sunderland to the signing of former Manchester United midfielder Ethan Galbriath last year, and they should look to repeat that success with another player this summer.

The Black Cats are interested in West Ham youngster Divin Mubama, according to The Athletic, but that is no reason for Richie Wellens' side to be deterred.

Leyton Orient beat Sunderland to Ethan Galbraith

Galbraith was once labeled a wonderkid for the promise he showed at Man Utd's academy, but he found first team opportunities hard to come by.

He fell behind the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Hannibal Mejbri in the midfield pecking order and was released at the end of last season.

But even though Galbraith was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, there were still a number of teams that rated him highly.

Sunderland, as well as fellow Championship clubs Middlesbrough and Stoke City, were linked with a move for the Northern Ireland international.

Meanwhile, Sunderland's fiercest rivals, Newcastle, were also weighing up a move for the 22-year-old, albeit their plan was to immediately send him out on loan.

Despite interest from teams in the Premier League and Championship, however, League Two champions Leyton Orient were able to get a deal over the line.

One would assume that the assurance of regular first team football played an important role in Galbraith's decision to move to East London.

Divin Mubama wanted by Sunderland

Mubama is a highly-rated product of West Ham's academy, having represented England all the way from under-15 to under-20 level.

He made his first team debut for the Hammers against Romanian club FC Steaua Bucuresti in the UEFA Europa Conference League on 3 November 2022.

And, on 16 March 2023, he scored his first senior goal for the East London club, against Cypriot side AEK Larnaca in the knockout rounds of the Conference League.

Big things were expected of the young striker in the 2023-24 season, but he only started one game in all competitions, to go along with 11 substitute appearances.

Now, with his contract set to expire next month, and no sign of an agreement with the club, it appears that Mubama will become a free agent.

Although West Ham will be due some compensation, not having to pay a transfer fee for a 19-year-old of Mubama's pedigree represents an absolute bargain.

As a result, it comes as no surprise that Championship clubs, like Sunderland, are interested in his services, but that does not necessarily rule out Leyton Orient's chances.

Leyton Orient have two advantages over Sunderland in Mubama pursuit

The first reason why the O's could see off Sunderland in the race for Mubama is the assurance of regular playing time.

Having been deprived of starts at West Ham last season, first team opportunities are surely at the top of the striker's wishlist heading into the next campaign.

And, with Daniel Agyei, who can also play out wide, being his only real competition at the Gaughan Group Stadium, Mubama would certainly be integral to Wellens' side.

Meanwhile, Leyton Orient have an enormous geographical advantage, especially against Sunderland, when it comes to the England U20 international.

See, Mubama was born in the London Borough of Newham, of which both West Ham and Stratford (home of the London Stadium) are districts.

Should he not want to relocate, Orient's stadium is the closest in distance to West Ham's of any club in the English Football League.

So, while the idea of Orient overcoming Sunderland's efforts to sign a sought-after player seems highly unlikely, it has happened before, and it could happen again.