Leyton Orient are preparing for major summer interest in striker Dom Ballard after his outstanding season, with the club expected to demand a record-level fee if they are forced to sell.

Ballard has been one of the standout players in League One this season, scoring 21 goals in 34 appearances after joining Orient on a permanent deal in September 2025. His form has been a rare positive in what has otherwise been a difficult campaign for Richie Wellens’ side, who reached the play-offs last season but have spent much of this year battling to stay clear of the relegation places.

Despite the team’s inconsistency, Ballard’s performances have made him one of the most talked-about forwards in the division, and interest from higher leagues is expected during the summer transfer window. Orient are understood to be preparing for bids and are determined not to let their striker leave cheaply.

The London club are ambitiously using Jay Stanfield’s £15m move to Birmingham City as a reference point when setting their valuation, which suggests they believe Ballard could command a very significant fee if multiple clubs enter the race for his signature. That’s according to Sun journalist Alan Nixon.

Dom Ballard’s rise

Ballard’s rise has been several years in the making. He came through the academy at Southampton after joining as a youngster and developed into a prolific scorer in youth football, scoring 60 goals in 72 appearances across the club’s under-18 and under-21 sides. He also helped the under-21 team win the Premier League Two title.

He made his senior debut in 2022 and scored in a League Cup tie at just 17-years-old, but first-team opportunities were limited. Loan spells followed at Reading, Blackpool and Cambridge United, giving him experience in League One football, although his progress was interrupted by a tendon injury at one stage.

The move to Orient last year has proven to be the breakthrough he needed. Regular football and a key role in the team have allowed him to develop into one of the division’s most effective forwards, and he is currently among the leading scorers in League One. With several games still remaining, reaching 25 league goals this season is considered a realistic target.

Good news for Saints

Any major transfer would also be good news for Southampton, who included a sell-on clause when Ballard moved to Orient. That means the south coast club would receive a percentage of any future transfer fee, potentially giving them a useful financial boost ahead of the next transfer window.

For Orient, the situation is straightforward. They hold a long-term contract on a young striker who is scoring regularly and attracting attention, which puts them in a strong negotiating position. Whether clubs are willing to meet their valuation remains to be seen, but what appears certain is that Ballard will be one of the most talked-about players in League One when the summer window opens.