It was a somewhat strange transfer deadline day for Oxford United with several players linked with moves in and out.
In the end, the U’s saw the arrival of two new players while there were three departures from the club.
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How Transfer Deadline Day Unfolded for Oxford United
The Morning
The first rumour came from Pete O’Rourke with the journalist suggesting SPL side Hibernian were interested in defender, Stephan Negru.
With one defender potentially on the move, the U’s were then linked with brining in another with former player Fin Stevens linked.
Football League World claimed that the 22-year-old, who won promotion from League One with Oxford, were favourites to sign the defender after talks had broken down with Blackburn. He’s struggled for minutes during his time at St Pauli and failed to make an appearance this season for the Bundesliga side.
The Afternoon
Darren Witcoop suggested that League One duo Burton and Barnsley were targeting Oxford striker, Tom Bradshaw.
The forward, who joined from Millwall last January, turned out 18 times for the U’s but has found game time difficult to come by.
However, later in the day, it was confirmed that the Tykes had signed the 33-year-old on loan.
In between Witcoop’s Tweet and the confirmation, one of Oxford’s targets had signed for Italian side, Hellas Verona.
Faroe Islands international Andrias Edmundsson joined the Serie A side from Polish outfit, Wisla Plock.
Another defender was then linked with Alan Nixon claiming Oxford were interested in Blackburn left-back, Harry Pickering.
The 27-year-old has struggled for minutes at Ewood Park this season.
The Evening
As the window drew to a close, Dan Marsh reported that Oxford were looking to land Millwall winger, Aidomo Emakhu.
Pete O’Rourke added the U’s had beat the deadline to sign Emakhu in a permanent deal, which was a three-and-a-half year contract.
After Bradshaw, there was another departure as Matt Phillips saw his contract terminated by mutual consent.
The former Scotland international, who joined the U’s in the summer of 2025, has struggled with injuries and fitness during his time at Grenoble Road and was reportedly one of the highest paid players at the club.
The U’s then made their first deadline day arrival with the addition of Huddersfield left-back, Ruben Roosken.
The 25-year-old joined the club on loan but the agreement includes an option to buy, which will become an obligation should certain conditions be met.
He made 40 appearances since joining the Terriers last January and had previously played in the Netherlands at Heracles with U’s player, Brian De Keersmaecker. The Dutchman also played alongside Michal Helik and Brodie Spencer when Huddersfield were relegated from the Championship.
The third and final departure came late on and it was involving the first player of the day in Stephan Negru. However, the defender didn’t join Hibernian as previously suggested, but League Two club, Tranmere.
And that was that with deadline day wrapped up. However, the U’s managed to submit the deal for Emakhu in time and he was announced this morning.
The 22-year-old made 74 appearances for Millwall since making his debut in February 2023.
The Republic of Ireland U21 international is a versatile player that can play anywhere across the frontline.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / PA Images
