It’s been an extremely busy and positive week in the world of Oxford United. There have been pre-season friendlies ahead of the new campaign, three new signings and a new club director has been appointed.
Elsewhere, we have all the latest transfer news and rumours from the last seven days.
Gooood morning 🤗
🟡🔵 #OUFC | #COYY pic.twitter.com/39j8tDpcJ4
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) July 20, 2022
Oxford United Season Review: Three New Additions, Pre-Season Friendlies and Transfer Rumours
Baggies Beat the U’s
Following their 2-0 preseason friendly defeat against Coventry City, the U’s then suffered another loss against Championship opposition.
A second-half brace from Karlan Grant and an own goal from Yoav Sade meant Steve Bruce’s West Bromwich Albion ran out 3-0 winners at Grenoble Road.
It was also a much changed Oxford side with Elliott Moore and Sam Long missing through injury, while Matty Taylor and Cameron Brannagan were amongst the substitutes.
Oxford United Finally Land Findlay
Oxford then made their second signing of the summer with the arrival of former Kilmarnock and Scotland centre-back, Stuart Findlay.
Findlay joins the club on a four-year deal and Karl Robinson has said: “It’s no secret that he has been our target for a while and I want to thank the owners for backing us to make sure we got our man.
“He reads the game well, is strong in the air and is a real competitor. We look forward to working with him.”
The U’s had been in for the 26-year-old before. In 2019, Robinson and the club pulled out of a move after the Scottish outfit wanted more than Oxford were willing to pay. From there, Findlay moved to the MLS and joined Philadelphia Union, but Oxford remained interested.
Leeds United Youngster Linked With Oxford United Switch
Leeds United youngster Lewis Bate could be a potential transfer target for Oxford, with the U’s boss reportedly an admirer of the 19-year-old.
This is according to the Yorkshire Evening Post who claim the former Chelsea youngster is set to have discussions with Leeds manager Jesse Marsch regarding a lack of game time at Elland Road.
The Premier League club have enjoyed a pre-season tour in Australia but Bate was left out of the 26-man squad and remains a fringe player, despite being given his Premier League debut in a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea by Marsch.
The youngster is thought to have a bright future at Elland Road but is in need of more regular football.
The report adds that a number of League One clubs are interested in the 19-year-old midfielder, but the England U20 international is admired by the Oxford boss.
Former Inter Milan board member Grant Ferguson has become a director at #oufc. https://t.co/oJbSsG7ZIR pic.twitter.com/ID9qHVu3iA
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) July 21, 2022
Oxford United Appoint Former Inter Milan Board Member as Club’s New Director
Oxford United have appointed Greg Ferguson as the club’s new director.
The 60-year-old has previously worked with former board member Erick Thohir at Inter Milan from 2014 to 2017.
Ferguson has already attended several Oxford matches and joins chairman Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth, Anindya Bakrie and Horst Geicke on the board.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I am very proud to formally become part of the board at Oxford United and want to thank the board, Karl, staff and the players for the warm welcome I have received.
“It’s a fantastic club in one of the most famous cities in the world and we all share the same ambition: to get the club to where it belongs.
“I have been around the club for some time now, working behind the scenes, getting to know people and seeing how it works.
“I am really impressed with the foundations that are in place and confident about the potential of the club.
“I am now looking forward to catching up with supporter groups and meeting fans at matches and events over the coming weeks.
“It’s an honour to represent Oxford United and all I can promise in return is to be open, approachable and to match the tremendous work ethic that I already see throughout the club.”
This move signals that the takeover of the club, led by Bakrie, could be taking a significant step towards completion.
U’s Sign Sligo Rovers Goalkeeper
Later that day, Oxford snapped up goalkeeper Ed McGinty from Sligo Rovers for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old arrives at Grenoble Road on a three-year deal, with the option of an additional 12 months.
McGinty has surpassed 100 appearances for the League of Ireland outfit and was made captain at the club. He has also represented the Republic of Ireland at U19 and U21 levels.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Robinson said: “He is already a very good goalkeeper and has a terrific attitude.
“We think he has so much potential and we are excited that he wants to come here and be part of what we are building.”
McGinty added: “I was aware there were a few clubs showing interest but I left all that to other people and just focussed on playing my football and doing my best in every game.
“Then when I heard of Oxford’s interest and I saw the way they looked after Luke McNally when he came from Ireland, I saw the facilities and as soon as I spoke to the Manager and heard the plans they have for the club, I knew I wanted to come here.
“It is a big step, moving away from home and settling in at a new club, but that’s exciting and all I want to do now is get started and do my best to make the most of this opportunity.”
BREAKING: Oxford United have completed the signing of experienced winger Yanic Wildschut from CSKA Sofia #oufchttps://t.co/nWlmMrpY7R pic.twitter.com/5IPXJ6iseu
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) July 22, 2022
Yanic Wildschut Becomes Third Addition of the Week
Following the defensive arrivals of Findlay and McGinty, the U’s boosted their attacking options with the addition of Suriname international Yanic Wildschut.
The 30-year-old joins the club on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee from Bulgarian outfit, CSKA Sofia.
The winger has experience in England, having turned out for Middlesbrough, Wigan Athletic and Norwich City, along with loan spells with Cardiff City and Bolton Wanderers.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said: “I left three years ago and I’d played five years in England, so it was a big part of my career and my life.
“I’ve been around a little bit so it feels like coming home.
“The style of play in England suits me and is a big part of why I wanted to come back.
“I’m now 30 and I want to play at the highest level I can.
“I’ve been away from England three years and now I’m back, I’m ready to show everyone again that I’m the Yanic from before.”
He added: “When I spoke to the coach and the owner on their plans for the season it was an easy decision to join.
“I’ve looked at the last few years and they’ve been close, just not got over the line.
“This is why I came here, to hopefully get the club where they want to go, in the Championship.”
Oxford United Face Battle With Blackburn Rovers for Liverpool Midfielder
Oxford are facing a battle with Blackburn Rovers in the bid to secure Liverpool youngster Tyler Morton on loan, according to Alan Nixon.
The 19-year-old, who has made nine senior appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side, is seen as one for the future but is in need of regular game time to enhance his development.
Nixon claims that Rovers are leading the race to sign the England U20 international. However, former Liverpool academy coach and Oxford boss Robinson is willing to offer the midfielder more first-team football in the upcoming campaign.
Despite the claims from Nixon, Rich Sharpe of the Lancashire Telegraph adds that a move may be delayed due to a number of injuries in the Liverpool squad.
Championship Interest In U’s Midfielder
In another report, Sharpe, claims Blackburn and Queens Park Rangers have shown interest in Oxford midfielder, Cameron Brannagan.
The 26-year-old has been a standout performer since his arrival in January 2018 and is closing in on 200 club appearances.
However, the midfielder is out of contract next summer and the U’s may have to decide whether to cash in now or risk losing him for nothing when his current deal expires.
Josh Murphy Features for Oxford United in Pre-Season Match Against AFC Wimbledon
Oxford United saw former Premier League winger Josh Murphy take to the pitch in their pre-season friendly match against AFC Wimbledon.
The 27-year-old was released from Cardiff in the summer, despite the Bluebirds paying £11 million for him in 2018.
Murphy turned out 99 times in Wales which followed five seasons at Norwich City, where he began his career.
The winger also worked under Robinson when he spent time on loan at MK Dons.
Speaking on the player, he said: “He’s one of the best wingers I’ve worked with. He’s in one of the best places he’s ever been
“Our board supported this financially, which was incredible.
“We’ll see how it goes, let’s just say it’s not a trial.”
Robinson added: “There’ll be two more over the weekend, one will be announced maybe on Sunday and another one will be announced on Monday,” said Robinson.
On the pitch, the game ended goalless while Brannagan missed a second-half penalty.
