Idris El Mizouni, a loanee from Leyton Orient, has a £350k price tag attached by Championship side Ipswich Town, while Oxford United and Derby County, two promoted teams from League One, are vying for his services.
After a second loan stint at Leyton Orient, the France-born midfielder is primed to be sold by the Tractor Boys. Despite the reports that Richie Wellens’ team is eager to make the change permanent, Oxford and Derby’s desire may disqualify them from the competition.
The 23-year-old previously spent time on loan at Grimsby Town and Cambridge United twice before joining Orient in 2022. His team won the League Two title, and he was a major factor in that victory. The next season, they were back in the third division after missing out on a play-off position.
TWTD claims that Orient’s £350k asking price will probably price them out of the deal, forcing them to look elsewhere this summer.
A logical advancement for the midfield player?
El Mizouni has demonstrated his ability to compete at both the fourth and third tiers, thus a trip to the championship would be the logical next step.
Oxford and Derby are excellent intermediate options for players, since they both aim to consolidate in the second division by adding quality players before expanding in the upcoming season.
El Mizouni, who is 23 years old, is not at his best either, so if he can return to that level of play in a better division, the purchasing club may be able to recoup its investment. It is unlikely that you would be able to acquire many elite players in the Championship for £350k, therefore having the option to purchase and develop their own players could be a wise business decision.
