It’s been the Will Goodwin week for Oxford United, with the U’s signing the striker following a run of links.
Elsewhere, an Oxford midfielder was linked with a shock move to a European side, a former loanee made a permanent return and a league match against Northampton was postponed.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Goodwin Arrival and League Postponement
U’s Looking to Sign Cheltenham Forward
The week began with news that Oxford United were “chasing” Cheltenham striker, Will Goodwin, according to journalist, Jon Palmer.
The U’s are in the market for a striker during the January transfer window and the report claimed Goodwin could be a potential target.
The 21-year-old, who joined the Robins last January, has 18 months left on his current deal. The striker has also netted six goals from 16 games in League One, along with adding a further two assists.
Palmer adds that Goodwin has been the subject of a bid from League One rivals, Charlton.
Oxford United Midfielder Linked With European Move
Oxford midfielder Marcus McGuane was being targeted by Polish side Legia Warsaw, according to Look Sports Media.
The 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer but the U’s have an option to extend his deal by a further year.
The former Barcelona man, who joined Oxford in the summer of 2021 following a successful loan spell from Nottingham Forest, has been ever-present and has turned out close to 150 times.
McGuane has become a key player for the U’s since his arrival but with several other first-team players extending their deals, his future at the club looks uncertain.
U’s ‘Leading the Race’ for Cheltenham Striker
Oxford United were then “leading the race” to sign Cheltenham striker, Will Goodwin, according to Jon Palmer.
The U’s and League One rivals Charlton have both shown interest in the 21-year-old, with the Robins rejecting bids from both clubs.
However, Cheltenham chairman David Bloxham insisted that the club were not looking to sell the striker.
Bloxham said: “We are not looking to sell Will. We are going to be guided by the manager (Darrell Clarke) in terms of what he wants to do.
“The ultimate decision will be made by the board, but we’ll be strongly influenced by recommendation of the manager.”
He added: “Apart from amount that might or might not be on offer, if something were to happen we’d need to be sure we can cover any departure because we cannot go into February with one less player.
Cheltenham signed the youngster from Stoke for just £20,000 last January and has hit form in recent weeks.
Former Loanee Returns to Oxford
Oxford United then re-signed former loanee Kyle Edwards on a deal until the end of the season.
The 25-year-old, who joined the club on loan from Ipswich, only managed six appearances before injury hampered his playing time.
As a result, the Tractor Boys recalled him from his loan spell before terminating his contract, which was due to expire in the summer.
The winger was continuing his rehabilitation at Oxford and has committed his short-term future to the club.
Head Coach Des Buckingham told the club’s official website: “We are really pleased to have Kyle back because we know what a good player he is and the level of performance he is capable of.
“We weren’t expecting him to become available but, once he did, it seemed a sensible solution for all concerned.
“The team will work with Kyle as he continues his rehab, and he should be fit for the last month of the regular season.
“To have him available at the business end of this campaign will be an excellent boost at a key time. He is a very positive character and I’m sure the fans will welcome Kyle back.”
Edwards added: “I loved my time at Oxford and was frustrated not to play more because I was really enjoying my football.
“The injuries were clearly a major setback but I have been working hard and feel like I am making progress every day. The medical team are excellent and have got me in a good place.
“The fans were great with me here, and that gives me a target now: to get fit and make sure we are there celebrating together at the end of the season.”
Goodwin Saga Continues But Oxford United Have ‘Won the Race’
The U’s were then edging closer to signing Cheltenham striker, Will Goodwin, according to reports.
Jon Palmer claimed the 21-year-old underwent a medical on Wednesday and will commit to a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Richard Cawley, who covers Charlton for the South London Press, adds that the fee will be around £400,000.
The Addicks were also in for the striker and Cawley continues that the London club offered better personal terms but the youngster believes a move to Oxford is better in terms of location.
Goodwin Signs
Finally, the U’s got their man with Goodwin becoming the latest addition.
U’s head coach Des Buckingham said: “It’s really pleasing and highlights the excellent work of Ed Waldron and the recruitment team.
“We highlighted the players we wanted going into the January window, and we’ve been able to secure a lot of them halfway through, rather than towards the end, or if not at all.
“To get the quality of Will in the front line is a good thing. We’ve got a way that we want to play, and off the back of that, we look for profiles of players that we feel can play in those positions.
“There are a lot of good players around the Football League, and sometimes you can go and get what you think the best player is, and often that doesn’t suit your style of football.
“We were very specific in the type of player we were looking for because of that. Will’s been on that recruitment list for a long time now, and then when he’s become available, we’ve been able to move.
“The fact he comes with some really good experiences in this league, and he’s shown that he can do it, puts us in a strong position.”
He added: “When people look at Will, I can understand why you’d see an old school centre forward where you play into him and off him, but he’s capable of actually playing football.
“We’ve got a way we want to play, and it’s very important he’s able to do that. He’s demonstrated already in this league that he can.
“The physical side of it is a bonus on top of that because it allows him to do other things from open play and set pieces that maybe others can’t.
“He’ll be a good addition to us, and it will be to complement what we already have.”
Northampton Postponed
Oxford’s League One match at home against Northampton was postponed due to a frozen pitch.
Having won their last two league games, the U’s will be frustrated at the postponement given their good recent run.
