(credit: Imago and BBC Sport)
West Ham Zone Speaking to Martin Allen
Sat 31 May 2025 17:00, UK
Lewis Orford could become the latest West Ham youngster to join Portsmouth on loan.
The 19-year-old could be set to follow in the footsteps of Hammers teammate Freddie Potts who was a star at Fratton Park this season.
In the last two seasons, the academy product has shone on loan at both Pompey and Wycombe Wanderers and is now set for a return to the London Stadium.
After using the 21-year-old as an example, Orford could be the next talent to link up with John Mousinho to help aid his development.
Freddie Potts spent last season on loan from West Ham at Portsmouth (credit: Imago)
Orford could join Portsmouth on loan from West Ham
There is no doubt that the Irons have a number of quality young players available to Graham Potter in the midfield area in East London.
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This has seen the likes of Potts and George Earthy already thrive out on loan as they look set to return with the hopes of first team minutes next campaign.
It will be interesting to see if they can replace the likes of Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse, given the level of experience they possess.
With that being said, moving on Orford next season on a temporary deal could make sense and former Portsmouth and Brentford boss Martin Allen believes Fratton Park would be the perfect destination.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen said: “If he were to go out on loan, I’d have a clause in the contract so that there’s an option to recall him on 31 December or 1 January.
“If he does do really well and West Ham need him and they think he’s better than what they’ve got, they can bring him back.
“I think it would be a good move for him [to go to Portsmouth], they’ve done extremely well under John Mousinho.
“The good thing about going to Portsmouth on loan is that, you’re going to a passionate, positive fan base. They don’t just sit around and eat prawn sandwiches, they are proper football fans and they give it plenty.
“It’s a great experience for a young player to go into and get amongst it to learn what it’s like at the top level,.
“*For Mousinho and Orford, I think that would be a really good move.*“
John Mousinho
John Mousinho could bring Lewis Orford from West Ham to Portsmouth (Credit: Imago)
Portsmouth could now land Orford on loan
It appears that Pompey are a club on the rise and could pose the perfect place for a young player to grow and improve.
That has certainly been the case with Potts and could be replicated a year later with a deal for Orford as he looks to kickstart his senior career.
Stat (Championship 24/25) Freddie Potts
Appearances 37
Chances created 33
Tackles won 35
Freddie Potts Portsmouth stats
It will be interesting to see if Potter lets him leave straight away, especially with Carlos Soler and Guido Rodriguez facing the exit door in the face.
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