Orient sign keeper Bachmann on loan from Watford

Leyton Orient have signed Austria goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann from Watford on loan until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old spent the first half of the campaign at Spanish Segunda Division club Deportivo La Coruna but failed to make an appearance.

Watford have cut Bachmann's season-long deal at the Spanish club short and sent him back out on loan to the League One side.

Bachmann has spent the majority of his professional career in England and made 14 appearances for Austria, last earning an international cap in September 2023.

"As a goalkeeper, I am an organiser and like to be a voice in the changing room, which is really important in any team," Bachmann told Orient's club website, external.

"I feel like I am coming into the prime years of my playing career and am looking forward to getting back playing and helping the club move up the table, whilst also supporting the goalkeepers' union."

Bachmann's arrival comes after O's boss Richie Wellens said he wanted an experienced goalkeeper.

Wellens was frustrated they had failed to replace Tommy Simkin - who returned to parent club Stoke City on New Year's Day - following their 3-0 defeat by Doncaster Rovers in midweek.

"We need a goalkeeper. We need a man - who is coming for crosses, that organises the defence, that is vocal, has character, personality and once we get that, we might start seeing clean sheets," Wellens said.

Bachmann becomes Orient's fourth signing of the January window - following the arrivals of Will Forrester, Ajay Matthews and Kaelan Casey, and is expected to make his O's debut when they host bottom club Port Vale on Saturday.