With Euro 2020 approaching its grand finale, club football has certainly taken a back seat in England. Despite the focus on Gareth Southgate and his history men, there has been some significant news from Oxford United this week. Club captain John Mousinho has penned a new deal but youngster Kyran Lofthouse has left the club.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: John Mousinho, Kyran Lofthouse and Trialists
Club Captain John Mousinho Signs New Deal
John Mousinho has penned a new two-year contract. The 35-year-old, who joined the club in 2017, hasn’t played since December as a result of a knee injury but has been involved in the U’s pre-season training.
The defender will continue in his coaching role but is eager to make an impact on the field.
Having made 132 appearances for the U’s, the newly elected chair of the Professional Footballers’ Association will bring some experience to the squad ahead of the new season.
Youngster Departs
Oxford academy product Kyran Lofthouse has left the club and joined National League side Woking on a permanent basis.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with the Cards, where he made 36 appearances. Despite being offered fresh terms by the U’s, he turned down the opportunity to stay.
Lofthouse made three senior appearances for the club but much of his time has been spent away on loan.
Trialists, Pre-Season and Injury News
Oxford United ended their first week of pre-season with a game of eleven-a-side, but two players were left out.
Skipper Mousinho and fellow defender Sam Long took part in the warm-ups but manager Karl Robinson felt the duo weren’t ready for a contact game.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Robinson said: “It’s been a good week.
“Having a game was more about breaking things up than anything else but it was still good to see players competing and communicating; there were plenty of things to take away from the game itself.
“But the main thing is we have come through the first week with no injuries, players coming back from previous injuries have done well, we have looked at a couple of trialists and the new lads have become part of the group already.
“Now we get away for a week, we keep working hard, and then have a series of friendlies that we are really looking forward to.”
No news has been given on the trialists as of yet and a date for a return for Mousinho and Long is also pending fitness.
Shodipo Signs for Sheffield Wednesday
According to Joe Crann of the Sheffield Star, recently relegated League One side Sheffield Wednesday had been eyeing up former Oxford man, Mide Shodipo. Now, the 24-year-old has joined the Owls on a season-long loan.
The winger spent last season on loan from Queens Park Rangers and netted 11 goals from 39 outings as the U’s reached the League One playoffs for a second successive season.
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