MUSCAT: Oman international Tariq al Saadi has joined English League One side Leyton Orient on a short-term contract running until February 2027, marking an important new stage in the promising forward’s European career.
The East London club officially announced the signing of the 20-year-old after he trained with the squad throughout their pre-season preparations. Al Saadi had been awaiting the completion of his work-permit process before finalising the agreement.
Al Saadi strengthened his case for a contract through a series of encouraging pre-season appearances. He provided the build-up for a goal in Orient’s 4-1 win over Enfield Town, driving down the flank, beating two defenders and delivering the ball for Phil Chinedu to score.
He was subsequently included in the squad for the club’s training camp in Spain and found the net during a 2-0 victory over fellow League One side Lincoln City. He also featured as Orient completed their preparations with a 2-1 home win against Belgian club Royal Antwerp.
The agreement represents a return to familiar surroundings for Al Saadi, who first joined Leyton Orient’s academy set-up in early 2024. He made a strong impression with the club’s under-18 team, scoring in a 4-2 victory over Stevenage and opening the scoring in a 3-3 draw against Oxford United.
He also struck twice as Orient began their Merit League One campaign with a victory, while his cross created the winning goal for a Leyton Orient XI in a 3-2 friendly triumph over Southend United.
Al Saadi later continued his development in Spain with the youth side of Barcelona-based UE Sant Andreu during the 2024-25 season. Available competition records list him as having made 12 appearances, including eight starts, and scored two goals in the Liga Nacional Juvenil.
The forward’s progress in Europe earned him a place in the Oman senior national team in May 2025. He marked his international debut by converting a penalty in Oman’s 4-1 friendly victory over Niger at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
Al Saadi will now seek to establish himself under head coach Richie Wellens and compete for first-team opportunities in League One, the third tier of English football.
His move gives another young Omani player the opportunity to develop in a highly competitive European environment and could provide a valuable boost to the national team as he gains further experience at professional level.
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