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Leyton Orient Set to Beat off Barnsley Interest to Sign Southampton Forward

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Leyton Orient Set to Beat off Barnsley Interest to Sign Southampton Forward

Southampton forward Dom Ballard looks set to join Leyton Orient as they look to have beat long-term admirers Barnsley to the forwards' signature.

Ballard has been a figure of many rumours this summer but it finally appears that his saga is drawing to a close with a permanent move from The Saints to League One on the cards.

The Southampton academy product spent the second half of last season on loan at Cambridge United, where he was in and out of the team, ending the spell with just two goals in his 17 appearances.

Southampton Retain Stocks

Reports state that Southampton are looking to keep a significant sell-on clause for the striker, which would see them benefit from any future sale of the 20-year-old, should his move prove fruitful.

🚨 Southampton will retain a 'significant' sell-on clause as part of the deal for Dom Ballard to join Leyton Orient on a permanent basis #saintsfc @AlfieHouseEcho pic.twitter.com/uFFZfZY39l
— SaintsExtra (@SaintsExtra) August 30, 2025

Despite an unbelievably impressive record at youth level, including 4 goals in 4 games in Premier League 2 after returning from his loan in the summer, there have been some question marks raised about Ballard's ability to adapt to men's football.

Southampton are said to see potential in the forward, but have thus far failed to give him regular enough senior minutes to continue his development, which is likely what has led to his permanent move arising.

Ben Brereton Diaz Leaves for Derby

Ballard isn't the only attacking player who is leaving Southampton in the final days of the window with Ben Brereton Diaz' move to Derby County today being confirmed.