A busy week for Oxford United with the club seeing some movement both in and out during the January transfer window.
On the pitch, Oxford’s FA Cup campaign with defeat on the road at League One outfit, Exeter City.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Ins and Outs and FA Cup Defeat
Negru Recall
On Thursday, Oxford recalled defender Stephan Negru from his loan spell at Salford.
The 22-year-old teamed up with former U’s boss Karl Robinson in League Two and had turned out 22 times.
The defender hasn’t featured in the FA Cup, meaning he was available for selection when the U’s took on Exeter at the weekend.
McGinty Sold
Later that day, Ed McGinty left the club to join Shamrock Rovers for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper joined the U’s from fellow League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers but managed just ten appearances.
He returned to Sligo on loan last January and extended his stay in June.
Matos Signing
On Friday, Oxford made their second signing of the January transfer window with the arrival of Alex Matos.
The defensive midfielder joined the U’s on loan from Chelsea, where he has been since moving from Norwich in 2023.
The 20-year-old has two appearances for the Blues, but spent the second half of last season on loan at Huddersfield where he turned out 19 times.
Speaking after signing for the club, Matos said: “This is the right move for me at this stage in my career. I’m joining a team where I hope I can make a difference and win a lot of games while continuing to improve as a player.
“I have spoken with the gaffer, and I am confident I can help the team and become a better player under his guidance.
“I’m a tenacious player who likes to get up and down the pitch and put a tackle in. Having experienced the Championship last season, I’m really happy to be back in the league as I feel it suits my style.
“My aim is to come in and make an instant impact. It will be massive for us to stay in this league and my ambition is to ensure the team reach that goal. For me, this is the right place to be.”
Gary Rowett said: “Alex has a great pedigree as a player and I was impressed with what he showed last season at Huddersfield.
“There’s a huge hunger in the player to come in and succeed and that’s a mentality that is exciting to work with as Head Coach.
“He will offer something different to us which is important to ensure we have many different options. I’m looking forward to working with him straight away to see how he can enhance the midfield and the team.”
Oxford United Target Celtic Defender
Oxford are keen on a loan move for Celtic defender, Maik Nawrocki, according to the Daily Record.
The 23-year-old could help fill the void in the heart of defence with injuries to Leicester loanee Ben Nelson and captain, Elliott Moore.
The German-born, former Poland U21 international, has struggled for game time at Celtic Park since his move from Legia Warsaw in 2023, so a loan move could work for both parties.
FA Cup Exit for Oxford United
Gary Rowett suffered his first defeat at Oxford head coach as the U’s lost 3-1 at Exeter in the FA Cup.
Matt Phillips capped off a terrific counter-attack to give the visitors a deserved lead but poor a defensive display allowed the Grecians back into the game.
Injuries and rotation took its toll on the squad and when Tyler Goodrham was sent off late on, it was always going to be a tough ask to stage a comeback.
Dale to Depart
On Sunday, reports from Alan Nixon claimed the U’s were looking to offload winger, Owen Dale.
The 26-year-old joined the club during the last winter window and helped the club secure promotion to the Championship.
However, he has struggled for game time in the second tier and Nixon suggests that the club are looking for a fee for the former Blackpool winger.
