Former Lincoln City loanee Alfie Lloyd has been linked with a return to Leyton Orient as the League One club search for another attacking option.
Orient are reportedly one of several clubs interested in the Queens Park Rangers forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan with the Imps and helped City secure the League One title.
According to Darren Witcoop, Richie Wellens’ side are considering Lloyd as a possible replacement for Dom Ballard. The prolific striker has completed a £5m move to Championship side Bristol City after scoring 23 league goals for Orient last season.
A switch to Brisbane Road would represent familiar territory for Lloyd. The 23-year-old joined Orient on a season-long loan from QPR in August 2025, but injuries restricted him to eight League One appearances before he was recalled in January.
He moved to Sincil Bank three days later, with City acting quickly to add another forward following Justin Obikwu’s departure. Lloyd went on to make 19 league appearances for the Imps, although only a small number came from the start.
His solitary City goal arrived during a 3-1 victory over Stockport County in March. After being introduced from the bench, Lloyd scored the third goal to complete an important win as the Imps extended their lengthy unbeaten run.
His contribution was not limited to goals. Lloyd’s energy, pace and willingness to press opposing defenders made him a useful option from the bench during the promotion run-in.
After the Stockport victory, then-City head coach Michael Skubala praised the forward’s attitude and the way he had settled into the group.
“He’s been excellent since he’s come here. He’s obviously a loan player but he feels like one of ours. He works so hard every day, trains so hard and he’s ready when he comes on.”
Alfie Lloyd career
Lloyd began his senior career with hometown club Yeovil Town before joining QPR in 2021. He gained further experience during a productive loan with Eastleigh, scoring five times in 20 National League appearances during the 2022/23 campaign.
He subsequently established himself around the QPR first team and made 27 Championship appearances during 2024/25, scoring twice. That included a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Sheffield Wednesday.
The forward remains contracted to QPR and is among their attacking options for the new Championship season, as is another for Imp, Justin Obikwu. However, another loan move could provide him with the regular football that was difficult to find during his spells with Orient and the Imps.
Orient’s interest is understandable given Lloyd’s previous time at the club and his experience at League One level. Wellens will need to replace a significant source of goals should Ballard’s anticipated move to Bristol City be completed.
Lloyd did not establish himself as a regular starter at Sincil Bank, but he still left with a League One winners’ medal after contributing during the decisive months of the campaign. A return to Orient could now give him the opportunity to take on a more prominent role at the level.
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