It’s been a busy seven days for Oxford United, with the U’s bringing in two more players but saw two leave.
Elsewhere, there was a significant telling-off from the EFL, which will be covered right here.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Two More Additions, Two Departures and EFL Telling Off
U’s Sign New Defender
On Monday, Oxford made their third signing of the summer with the addition of defender, Peter Kioso.
The 24-year-old joined the U’s from Rotherham and penned a long-term deal with the club.
The former Luton man has spent time on loan at Bolton, Northampton and Peterborough in recent seasons.
Speaking for the first time to the club, he said: “I watched a couple of games of the club last season and played against them and I feel like everything I’ve seen from the outside is a family team.
“I want to be part of that, and I feel like we can do something really special.
“The reason I wanted to sign is because it’s a club that knows what direction they want to go in. I want to be part of that as the club have full belief and I do too.
“I want to help the team get stronger. There is a great team here and I need to show the boys why I deserve to be here, and I can’t wait to see the fans next season.”
Head Coach, Des Buckingham, said: “We are really excited to bring in a player of Peter’s ability into our team.
“Peter brings a lot of qualities. He is a player that fits into the profile we are looking for at the right-back position, and he will add to the way we want to play as a team.
“Not only that, but he is also a very good character, so we feel he will add to the level we currently have at the club both on and off the pitch.
“He is the second player that has arrived this summer with Championship experience which is of huge importance as we head into this campaign, and I look forward to working with him.”
Friendly Announced
Oxford United will continue their preparations for the 2024/25 season this summer with a pre-season friendly against Mansfield Town.
The U’s will travel to take on Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium on Saturday 27th July with a 3pm kick-off.
This fixture is the third announced by United so far and will come after an away game at Oxford City, and a behind-closed-doors match with Exeter City
Promotion-Winning Winger Departs
On Tuesday, Oxford announced that Josh Murphy will leave the club after the winger failed to agree fresh terms, before signing a three-year deal for Championship rivals, Portsmouth.
The 29-year-old, who was out of contract next month, was a hugely influential figure in the club’s promotion from League One, scoring both goals in the 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final.
It was believed that the club offered the winger a new deal within 24 hours of that Wembley match, while further negotiations and additional offers have been made, which would have made him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
However, the U’s have confirmed those talks were ultimately unsuccessful, and that Murphy has opted to seek a new challenge away from Oxford.
Head of Recruitment, Ed Waldron, said: “Josh departs having played an important role in our promotion success, and it was our ambition to see him remain at the club.
“We have been in contract negotiations with Josh since the turn of the year. The club put forward a fantastic offer and we did everything in our power to keep him at Oxford United.
“Josh has chosen to move on and go elsewhere, and we respect his decision.
“The club have a very clear recruitment strategy in place and will now focus on other targets as we continue to build a competitive squad for the upcoming Championship campaign.”
Oxford United Welcome Posh in Carabao Cup
Oxford begin their Carabao Cup campaign with a home tie against Peterborough. The U’s won 5-0 when the two sides met at Grenoble Road in League One last season and edged past the Posh in the semi-final of the playoffs.
The match will take place midweek commencing August 12, after their Championship opener at home against Norwich.
Club Given Suspended Transfer Window Fee Ban
On Thursday, Oxford were given a stern telling off by the EFL and given a two-year suspended transfer ban.
It comes following an administrative error from the club, who were fined £3,500 as a result, but the appeal reduced the timescale from a three-window ban.
Oxford are able to continue in their summer activities but should a similar incident occur, they will be reprimanded sufficiently.
An EFL statement read: “In June 2024, the EFL issued Oxford United with a financial penalty of £3,500 alongside a three-transfer window fee restriction as a result of the Club accumulating 30 days or more of late payments in the 12-month period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
“As permitted by EFL Regulations, the Club opted to appeal the imposition of the three-transfer window fee restriction on the basis that the sanction was disproportionate to the offence committed by the Club. The matter was referred to an independent Disciplinary Commission.
“On review of the case, the Commission has determined that the three-transfer window fee restriction should be reduced to one window, suspended for two years, which will be triggered upon a further breach of Regulation 52.6.3. The Club is still required to pay the £3,500 fine.”
Cumming Returns
Jamie Cumming has made a permanent return to Oxford United following a successful loan spell.
The 24-year-old joined the U’s in January following James Beadle’s recall and kept eight clean sheets in 23 appearances.
Cumming had one year left on his Chelsea contract but the club and player came to an agreement which has enabled him to leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.
Speaking to the club, he said: “I’m very excited to be back at Oxford United. It was a joy to be part of last season’s success and I want to achieve great things again.
“I’m coming back to a place where I feel comfortable and it’s a club that is ambitious and wants to go in the right direction. I learned a lot from my time here and I was desperate for this opportunity to step up and play in the Championship.
“I now need to prove to everyone here that I can play at this level and I’m very confident in doing that. This is a huge opportunity for me and for the club and I can’t wait to get started.”
Des Buckingham said: “Jamie showed real improvement over his loan spell last season, and he was a very important figure in our successful play-off campaign.
“He produced some big moments for us, particularly in the semi-final over Peterborough United, and we are excited to have him back at the club.
“Jamie already has great experience for his age with almost 200 senior appearances, and we have faith in him that he can continue to develop and be an important player over this time.”
Final Pre-Season Fixture Announced
Oxford’s final pre-season match before they kick off their Championship campaign at home against Norwich will be to welcome Serie B side, Palermo.
The fixture will take place on Saturday, August 3 with a 3pm kick-off.
Defender Teams Up With Former Oxford United Manager
On Saturday, Oxford defender Stephan Negru teamed up with former manager Karl Robinson after joining Salford on loan.
The 21-year-old centre-back will be hoping to get some game time under his belt after a difficult time with the U’s, despite some promising displays.
Speaking on Robinson, Negru said: “He is a big part of why I came here, and I am excited to be playing underneath him, and getting the minutes that I need.
“He is someone that you trust in and he trusts in you, and he puts the belief in you, builds your confidence, and I like the style of football that he plays.
