Leyton Orient are casting an eye over non-league star Ruben Bartlett-Antwi as they step up preparations for the 2025/26 League One season.
The 21-year-old forward, who lit up the Isthmian League South Central last season with Leatherhead, has joined the O’s on trial as they look to strengthen their attacking options following last season’s play-off final defeat to Charlton Athletic.
A Standout Performer
Bartlett-Antwi, the son of former professional defender and England U19 coach Will Antwi, was one of Step 4’s standout performers in 2024/25, racking up an impressive 24 goals and 17 assists as Leatherhead fell four points short of the play-off places. His prolific campaign has inevitably drawn interest from EFL clubs, with Burton Albion, Gillingham, and Cambridge United all reportedly interested in the talented front man.
Leatherhead confirmed Bartlett-Antwi’s departure on social media, offering their best wishes:
“Good luck to Ruben Bartlett-Antwi who moves on from the club and starts pre-season with a professional club in the EFL. Go show them what you can do, Ruben.”
Bartlett-Antwi’s Footballing Journey
Bartlett-Antwi’s footballing journey to this point of his career has been intriguing, consisting of goalscoring stints across the south-east. Before joining the Tanners, he led the line for Basildon United in the Isthmian League North, scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances across the end of 2023/24 and the start of 2024/25.
Before Basildon, the striker was already building a reputation as a potent finisher at West Essex in the Essex Senior League, where he notched 15 goals in 31 matches. His CV also includes stints with FC Romania, Walthamstow, and time as a youth player at Haringey Borough.
Bartlett-Antwi will now hope to follow in the footsteps of other recent non-league strikers who’ve made the successful leap into the EFL. Notable examples include Richard Kone, who swapped Athletic Newham for Wycombe Wanderers, and Jake Tabor, who recently earned a move from Amersham Town to League Two outfit Swindon Town.
Why Do Orient Need Ruben Bartlett-Antwi?
For Orient, the search for firepower is urgent. Following the departure of last season’s top scorer Charlie Kelman, who has returned to parent club QPR after his loan spell, Sonny Perkins currently stands as the only recognised senior striker in the squad. Bartlett-Antwi’s pace, directness, and impressive output could make him an ideal fit as Richie Wellens looks to bolster his options in front of goal at Brisbane Road.
With pre-season well underway, Orient will be eager to assess whether Bartlett-Antwi’s non-league magic can translate into goals for the League One side. Should he impress, it could mark another inspiring tale of a player climbing from the lower tiers into the professional spotlight.
