A busy week for Oxford United, who kicked off their much-anticipated pre-season tour of Indonesia earlier today.
Also over the last seven days, the U’s have tied down two players to new deals, a first signing of the transfer window and another midfield departure.
Read More: Tyler Goodrham Becomes the Latest Oxford United Player to Commit Future to the Club
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Indonesia Tour Begins, Contract Extensions and One In, One Out
Cumming Commits
Oxford United goalkeeper Jamie Cumming has put pen to paper on a new deal, the club have confirmed.
The 25-year-old, who joined the U’s on loan in January 2024 before signing a permanent deal in the summer, has been a key figure since his arrival.
The former Chelsea man has kept 21 clean sheets and several sensational saves from 68 appearances.
The Oxford Mail reported that Cumming’s previous deal was set to expire next summer.
Speaking as he signed his new deal, Cumming said: “The 18 months I have had at Oxford United have been the most enjoyable and successful of my career.
“There have been so many high moments and I want to continue to play my part in taking the club forward.
“I have developed immensely since joining and I know that by extending my deal, I will only improve further.
“We have a brilliant goalkeeping department at the club headed up by Lewis Price, and I’d like to say a massive thank you to them. Each day, the standard in our group is at such a level, it pushes you to be a better version of yourself as a goalkeeper and a person.
“The supporters have also been so encouraging. They have made me feel at home since day one and I want to ensure I give everything back to help the club this season and beyond.”
Brian De Keersmaecker Becomes First Signing of the Summer
On Tuesday, Oxford confirmed the arrival of Belgian midfielder, Brian De Keersmaecker for an undisclosed fee from Dutch side, Heracles.
The 25-year-old has penned a long-term deal with the club and is believed to be a record signing made by the U’s.
Speaking after signing, he said: “I’ve shown at previous clubs that I can be a very important player. It is my aim that I can do the same here at Oxford United and be even better than before.
“There have been a lot of conversations with the people at the club. I spoke to the head coach several times and he gave me a good feeling that I am going to be important here.
“This is a big step in my own self-development. I’m ready for this challenge, to move to a new city, and perform in such a competitive league.
“As a player, I’m very aggressive. As soon as we lose the ball, I want to get it back as quickly as possible. You will always see me giving 100 per cent for the cause.
“I will do everything I can to bring more success to this club, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Head Coach, Gary Rowett, said: “Brian was a player who was brought to my attention very early on when I joined the club.
“We had the chance to watch Brian play in person last season and you could see his attributes immediately. He can control a game of football with his quality in possession, and he also has an outstanding work rate off the ball.
“He is a fantastic addition to the group. We feel he is ready to be an important player for the club and will raise the level of our ceiling.”
Oxford United Showing Interest in Eredivisie Striker
Oxford are one of several sides showing an interest in Sparta Rotterdam striker, Tobias Lauritsen, according to Soccer News.
The 27-year-old Norwegian forward hit ten goals in 33 Eredivisie appearances last season, having struck 12 in each of the previous two seasons for De Kasteelheren.
However, the report adds that Championship rivals Millwall and Hull are also keen, along with Japanese side, Júbilo Iwata.
New Deal for Tyler
On Wednesday, Oxford United forward Tyler Goodrham penned a new long-term deal with the club.
The 21-year-old, who came through the club’s academy, has turned out over 140 times, scoring 18 times.
The forward made his U’s debut in November 2019 but made himself a regular among the first team in the 2022/23 campaign after scoring a late winner on his debut in a win over Cambridge.
Speaking to OUTV, he said: “This club is important to me and for my development. The people within this environment really care and I feel it’s the place to stay and consistently perform in the Championship.
“The club is very forward-thinking and progressive. We are looking to compete and keep pushing up the league, which is very important for me.
“Our aim is to finish as high as possible. We have come a long way in a short time which shows the progression of the club.
“I love it here. Coming through the youth academy, there are a lot of familiar faces, and it helps me to come in, be myself and play freely.
“Being the 18-year-old coming through, the fans allowed me to express myself and be free. That has really helped me progress and I want to continue to entertain the supporters for years to come.”
Midfielder Returns to Former Club
On Friday, Oxford midfielder Idris El Mizouni left the club and rejoined Leyton Orient on a permanent basis.
The 24-year-old, who arrived at Grenoble Road last summer from Ipswich, had spent the previous two campaigns on loan with Orient, so the fans are excited to see the Tunisia international return.
El Mizouni turned out 31 times for Oxford during their Championship campaign, scoring once, but most of his minutes came from the bench.
Indonesia Tour Kicks Off With Win
Oxford kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 6-3 win over Indonesia All Stars in Jakarta.
Mark Harris gave the U’s an early lead but Oxford were pegged back shortly after. Harris added a second after half an hour before Michal Helik headed home on the stroke of half time.
A much-changed line-up after the break still brought further goals, with Tom Bradshaw and Przemyslaw Placheta adding goals quickly before summer signing Brian De Keersmaecker struck a sixth in style.
Indonesia All Stars did pull two goals back but it was a good display from Gary Rowett’s side in the Indonesian capital.
