Jaze Kabia joins League One side Leyton Orient for club-record fee

ON THE MOVE: Leyton Orient have confirmed the signing of Jaze Kabia from Grimsby Town for a club-record transfer fee. Pic: Leyton Orient.

Leyton Orient have announced the signing of Cork native Jaze Kabia from Grimsby Town for a club-record transfer fee.

The former Cork City, Shelbourne and Cobh Ramblers striker, who turned 26-years-old on Friday, netted a combined total of 41 goals in his last two seasons with League Two side Grimsby to earn his move up to the League One club, where has penned a three-year deal, with an option for an additional year.

“I’m absolutely buzzing," he told the club's official website.

"I have had an amazing last two years where I have grown a lot and I’m hoping to bring all of that here to show the best version of me.

“I have a habit for being in the right place at the right time and I feel like finishing is the strongest part of my game. I’m really excited and am itching to get started here.

“It’s a statement having the number nine on your back, it carries weight and I like that kind of pressure. It gives me that extra motivation and I want to continue this club’s streak of having good goalscorers.”

Head Coach Richie Wellens said: “Jaze will bring us pace, power, desire, commitment work rate and a big goal threat. He scored a hell of a lot of goals for Truro to earn his move into the league and then did the same at Grimsby.

“When the pressure of the end of last season came, Jaze thrived and scored 10 times in his last 12 appearances. He is really hungry and his biggest asset is scoring goals in and around the six-yard box. He is going to be a really good signing for us and I am looking forward to working with him.”

First words 🤳 #LOFC #OneOrient pic.twitter.com/NaQYZYTt1K

— Leyton Orient FC (@leytonorientfc) August 7, 2026

Director of Football Scott Mitchell added: “Jaze’s rise through the football pyramid is a reflection of his resilience and hard work.

"He is ambitious and it is clear when speaking to him he has a desire to continue his development and further his career. We are delighted he has agreed to join the O’s.

“At 26, he is coming into his best years and he shows all the attributes we want in an attacking player. He is another good character and I have been really pleased to find out that he has done his own references on Leyton Orient. That says to me how much he wants to come here and play.

“This is a club-record signing, so I want to thank David [Gandler], Nigel [Travis] and the board of directors for allowing us to make a significant investment in Jaze.

"It was vitally important that we replaced Dom Ballard quickly, and our attentions continue to be focused on improving the squad.”

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