Ed Turns admitted he had lots of reasons for wanting to return to Leyton Orient on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old defender has agreed to rejoin O's from Premier League outfit Brighton, having helped Richie Wellens' side clinch the League Two title in 2022-23.

Turns made 16 appearances and scored two goals, including a wonder strike against Walsall and in a vital 2-0 win at Crewe.

And the Wales U21 international is ready for his next challenge in League One, with O's set to visit Charlton Athletic in their opening fixture this weekend.

"I'm buzzing to be back here," he told the club website.

"I had a great half of a season here last season so I'm delighted.

"There were plenty of reasons why I wanted to come back, the manager, the coaching staff, the players, the fans, Brisbane Road, the lot really.

"It's going to be a tougher season in League One, but it is one we are really looking forward to, and we want to carry on the good work that we left off."

Turns is the eighth signing of the summer for Wellens, after the arrivals of Max Sanders, Dan Agyei, Ethan Galbraith, Sam Howes, Sol Brynn and Joe Pigott, with Idris El Mizouni also back for another season-long loan.

And the head coach said it was an easy decision to bring the centre-back to E10 once more.

"It was a really easy decision for us to bring Ed back," said Wellens. 

"We had a conversation with Brighton at the end of last season and we agreed that Ed's natural progression would be to play in League One.

"In terms of his mentality and the way in which he interacts with the group, it's fantastic.

"He's a really good lad and all the players love him. He's got great attributes both on and off the pitch.

"Ed is probably a little bit behind the rest of the lads as he had a minor injury in pre-season, but we're really pleased with his signing."