Another week of ups and downs for Oxford United. We’ll bring you news of a late win, a heavy loss and transfer rumours from the last seven days.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Late League Win and Catastrophic Cup Defeat
Beadle Pens New Brighton Deal
Oxford United loanee James Beadle has penned a new long-term deal with his parent club, Brighton.
The England U20 international, who joined the U’s on a season-long loan from the Seagulls in the summer, will stay at the AMEX until 2028.
Technical director David Weir said, “James is having an excellent season and this new contract is a reward for his progress and hard work.
“He has played for England up to U20 and has shown with his performances with England and with Oxford this season that he has a bright future ahead.”
Win at the Valley
Oxford began the new year with an entertaining win on the road at Charlton.
A depleted U’s side fell behind inside five minutes but Mark Harris netted his first Oxford league goal in over four months to bring the match level.
The winner was a stunner – Oisin Smyth, playing as a centre-back in the absence of Jordan Thorniley, strode forward and smashed one into the top corner from 30 yards.
U’s Linked With Striker
Oxford are one of several League One clubs showing interest in Luton striker, Joe Taylor, according to Football Insider.
Bolton, Lincoln and Wycombe are also reportedly keen on the 21-year-old, who is currently on loan at League Two outfit, Colchester.
During his time in Essex, the forward has netted 12 goals and added two assists, including four in his last seven.
The Premier League club are reportedly set to recall him from his current loan spell before sending him back out to a club in the third tier, given they have fielded several enquiries for the Wales U21 international.
Perkins Recalled From Oxford United Loan
Sonny Perkins has been recalled from his loan spell at Oxford United by his parent club, Leeds.
The 19-year-old forward, who joined on a season-long loan in August, has managed just six appearances in all competitions and been on the field for just five minutes of league football.
Perkins netted once – the opener in a 5-0 Football League Trophy game against Chelsea U21s.
U’s Submit Bid for National League Winger
Oxford United have submitted a bid for Chesterfield winger, Armando Dobra, according to Football Insider.
The 22-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, has scored six times in 23 National League appearances.
The winger, who came through the ranks at Ipswich, spent time on loan at Colchester before joining the Spireites in the summer of 2022.
The Albanian, who can also play as a number ten, has also represented his country at youth level, making 18 appearances for the U19s and U21s.
Bids Rejected for Ipswich Midfielder
Oxford are one of several League One clubs interested in Ipswich midfielder, Idris El Mizouni, according to Stuart Watson of the East Anglian Daily Times.
Watson claims the Tractor Boys have “knocked back low six-figure transfer bids” amid interest from Barnsley, Wycombe and Bolton.
The 23-year-old has spent the last 18 months on loan at Leyton Orient – first helping the O’s secure promotion from League Two while becoming an integral part of the team this season.
The report adds that Ipswich would be looking to sell the Tunisian should his valuation be met. He is out of contract in the summer but Kieran McKenna has an option to extend by a further 12 months should the club decide to do so.
Midfielder Close to Oxford United Departure
Oxford United midfielder Alex Gorrin is “in talks” with Forest Green over a move, according to Football Insider.
The 30-year-old is coming to the end of his deal having signed a short-term contract until the end of the month.
The midfielder was an integral part of Karl Robinson’s side before suffering an ACL injury in December 2022.
He is back to full fitness but has managed just four appearances for the U’s since signing his short-term deal in the summer, with 113 under his belt since his move to the club in 2019.
Forest Green, who sit bottom of League One, will need the holding midfielder as they look to avoid the drop into the National League.
Oxford Out of FA Cup
On Saturday, Oxford were knocked out of the FA Cup with a heavy third-round defeat on the road at Coventry.
The U’s fell behind early in the game but Mark Harris levelled soon after. However, the Sky Blues netted another two inside the opening 20 minutes to all but put the tie out of reach.
Coventry netted a penalty just after the restart before Tyler Goodrham reduced the deficit. However, a further two more goals for the hosts late in sealed an emphatic win.
