While last season was one of huge disappointment for Oxford United, this week has seen some positivity return to the club.
With the transfer window now open, head coach Liam Manning has brought three new faces through the door with the U’s looking to once again push for the playoffs.
Another promising thing about the new arrivals is that the trio have all arrived on free transfers and all offer something to the current squad.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Three New Arrivals
Ruben Rodrigues Joins the U’s
The first addition was Notts County forward, Ruben Rodrigues. The 26-year-old didn’t renew his contract at the end of the campaign as the Magpies won promotion to League Two.
The Portuguese scored 19 times and added 15 assists as County secured their promotion from the National League via the playoffs and creating and scoring goals was an issue for the U’s last season.
Manning will be hoping the forward can add that attacking impetus at a higher level, with Cardiff City, Portsmouth and Derby County also showing interest in him before he made the move to Oxford.
Jordan Thorniley Returns to Oxford United
One issue Oxford didn’t have this season was conceding too many goals but clean sheets were still hard to come by, so the addition of defender Jordan Thorniley should help in that regard.
The centre-back, who can also play at left-back, joined the U’s on a season-long loan from Blackpool for the 2021/22 season but was recalled by the Seasiders in January.
He turned out 30 times for Blackpool this season but was out of contract following their relegation from the Championship.
With the arrival of a new centre back, Manning may decide to revert to a back three, something he deployed with success during his time at MK Dons.
Josh McEachran Follows
The next to arrive was another out-of-contract player as Oxford-born midfielder Josh McEachran joined the U’s.
The 30-year-old, who has bags of Championship experience, played under Manning at MK Dons, where his contract expires at the end of the month following their relegation back to League Two.
The experienced midfielder will offer some more depth to an already strong part of the squad as the U’s look to push for promotion.
The former Chelsea youngster has spent time at several Football League clubs, including Brentford and Birmingham City.
Oxford United Linked With Premier League Goalkeeper
On Sunday, reports from Alan Nixon claimed Oxford were keeping tabs on Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper, James Beadle.
The 18-year-old is highly regarded at the Amex Stadium meaning the move would only be on a loan basis.
The youngster spent the second half of last season on loan at Crewe Alexandra in League Two and the Seagulls are wanting him to play at a higher level to help his development.
An England youth international, Beadle came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic before moving to the Premier League side in 2022.
