Veteran defender Omar Beckles is set to remain at Leyton Orient for the 2025/26 campaign, despite his contract expiring this summer.
Sources close to The Lower Tiers have indicated that the 33-year-old centre-back is expected to put pen to paper on a new deal in the coming weeks, although the exact length of the contract remains undisclosed.
Beckles has been a mainstay at the heart of Orient’s defence since joining his boyhood club, amassing an impressive 152 league appearances to date. A proud East London native, his passion for the club is clear both on and off the pitch — a factor that has endeared him to fans and likely influenced the club’s decision to retain his services.
His importance to Richie Wellens’ side was especially evident during the 2024/25 season, where he featured in the majority of Orient’s League One matches. Beckles played 35 games overall, clocking a total of 2,944 minutes. He was named in the starting XI on 32 occasions and came off the bench three times, playing a pivotal role in a side that battled through a long, hard-fought season.
Beckles also featured in Orient’s heartbreaking League One play-off final loss to Charlton Athletic, playing 82 minutes in a tense match that saw Orient narrowly miss out on promotion. Despite the cruel ending, his leadership and composure under pressure were noted as crucial to Orient’s successful campaign, which saw them push deep into the season with ambition and resilience.
A fan favourite at Brisbane Road, Beckles brings more than just experience and local ties — his playing attributes remain valuable at this level. Known for his dominance in the air and strong tackling, Beckles has a knack for winning duels and commanding his defensive line. While not blessed with blistering pace, he compensates with excellent positional awareness and a veteran’s ability to read the game.
His passing game is another underappreciated aspect of his style. Beckles maintains a high pass completion rate and is adept at switching play with long-range distribution — a trait that adds depth to Orient’s build-up play from the back.
For Leyton Orient, keeping hold of Beckles is not just about retaining a reliable defender. It’s about leadership, continuity, and maintaining the core identity of the squad. At 33, he’s not just a figure on the team sheet but a mentor in the dressing room and a beacon of loyalty and connection between the club and its supporters.
As fans eagerly await confirmation of his new deal, it’s clear that Omar Beckles’ journey with Leyton Orient is far from over. And for a club eyeing another promotion push next season, keeping someone of his calibre and influence could prove to be one of the most significant moves of the summer.
