Paul Smyth: QPR re-sign forward from Leyton Orient

Queens Park Rangers have re-signed forward Paul Smyth after the Northern Ireland international turned down a new deal at League One club Leyton Orient.

QPR confirm first summer signing as Paul Smyth rejoins on free transfer from Leyton Orient | Evening Standard

Former Charlton Athletic loanee Paul Smyth has joined Championship side QPR after he turned down a new deal at League One club Leyton Orient.

The 25-year-old scored 10 goals and picked up three assists in 42 appearances last season for Orient as they won the League Two title.

Northern Ireland international Smyth joined the Addicks on a season-long loan in October 2020, making 14 appearances and scoring once before returning to his then parent club QPR.

This will be Smyth’s second spell at Loftus Road, who was initially on the books with the west Londoners between 2017 and 2021.

He has signed a three-year deal.

“Paul was one of the outstanding talents in League Two last season,” QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth told the club website.

“He was a big reason why Orient won the league and why they were so potent going forward. When he left Wycombe there was still development work to do and now I believe he’s getting close to the finished article.

“We are going to see the best of Paul Smyth – maybe three or four years ago it was just a little early to make his mark in this division but I am sure he is going to do that now.”

Leyton Orient close in on goalkeeper transfer as Lawrence Vigouroux joins Burnley

Burnley have completed the signing of Leyton Orient goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux.

<p>Done deal: Lawrence Vigouroux has left Leyton Orient for top-flight Burnley</p>

The former Chile U20 international leaves Brisbane Road after three years, winning the Player of the Year award for three consecutive seasons.

Despite playing a key role in their promotion to League One, the 29-year-old moves to Turf Moor to link up with Vincent Kompany’s newly-promoted side.

Vigouroux is the second of their summer signings after Republic of Ireland international Dara O’Shea joined from West Bromwich Albion.

“Whilst we are disappointed to see Lawrence go, we would never stand in the way of a player making a move to a Premier League side,” said Director of Football Martin Ling.

Lawrence was a fantastic player for us and a great person to have in and around the dressing room. We wish him nothing but the best for the future.”

Orient are ramping up their recruitment ahead of a first campaign in the third tier in almost a decade after signing central midfielder Max Sanders from Lincoln City.