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Aaron Connolly Drops to League One in Bold Leyton Orient Move After Millwall Exit
Aaron Connolly, the former Sunderland, Brighton, and Middlesbrough striker, has joined League One side Leyton Orient on a free transfer after parting ways with Millwall. The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international struggled to find form or consistency last season, making limited appearances for Sunderland before switching to Millwall in January. There, he netted once in 14 Championship matches.
This move marks Connolly’s return to League One for the first time since a loan stint at Luton Town in 2019.
Now under Richie Wellens in East London, Connolly is looking to reset his career trajectory. Speaking after his signing, he credited Wellens as a key reason behind his decision and expressed optimism about pushing for promotion this season.
Connolly becomes Orient’s fifth summer signing, and Wellens revealed he had been tracking the striker for years.
“I tried to sign him while at Swindon, but he exploded onto the scene after that hat-trick against MK Dons. He’s quick, technically gifted, and hungry. If we can unlock his potential, he’ll be a huge asset.”
Connolly, who has represented Ireland at senior level and previously featured in the Premier League with Brighton, is hoping this fresh chapter at Brisbane Road will help him recapture the promise that once had him pegged as one of Ireland’s brightest attacking prospects.
In other Sunderland-related news, Alan Nixon reports the Black Cats could pursue Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer.
The 31-year-old is admired by new goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler, who worked with him at Villa and Wolves. Although Johnstone is still under contract at Molineux, a potential loan move may be considered as Sunderland seek experienced competition for Anthony Patterson after missing out on Marcin Bulka.
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